Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-06

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The first table below shows changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables show changes in the population of the five districts of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The first table illustrates changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables gives information about the population change of the five districts of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period.

Overall, the total population of New York City increased substantially over the period given. Additionally, the proportion of the total population of Manhattan decreased while the percentage of the other four districts increased significantly.

The number of individuals in New York City in 1800 were 79216. These figures rose to [redacted phone] in 1900, and [redacted phone] in 2000. Similarly, the other four districts including Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island increased from 24% in 1800 to 46% in 1900 and 81% in 2000 respectively.

In contrary, the percentage of Manhattan decreased from 76% in 1800 to 54% in 1900 and eventually stood at 19% in 2000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers the main features of the data well, including the total population growth and the shifting proportions of the districts. You successfully identified the key trend of Manhattan's decline versus the growth of the other four districts. However, the report is quite brief. While you met the minimum word count, a more detailed analysis—perhaps by mentioning specific intermediate years or comparing the growth rates more explicitly—would have provided a more comprehensive overview. The data is accurately reported, and the comparison between the two sets of tables is logical and relevant to the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Additionally', 'Similarly', and 'In contrary' (though the latter is slightly misused). Paragraphing is appropriate, and each paragraph has a clear focus. To reach a higher band, ensure that cohesive devices are used more naturally and that the transition between the total population figures and the percentage shifts is smoother. The referencing is generally clear, though the structure of the final paragraph could be more tightly linked to the previous one.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'substantially', 'proportion', and 'percentage' correctly. There are some minor issues with collocation and phrasing, such as 'In contrary' instead of 'In contrast' or 'Conversely'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the information clearly, but it lacks the variety and precision of less common lexical items that would elevate the response to a higher band. Focusing on more sophisticated reporting verbs and adverbs would improve the overall quality of your lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement in 'The second and third tables gives' (should be 'give') and 'The number of individuals... were' (should be 'was'). Additionally, 'In contrary' is a minor error in prepositional usage. Despite these slips, the meaning remains clear throughout, and the errors do not impede communication. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and ensure that your complex sentences are punctuated correctly.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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