Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-10

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 6.0)

The combination of three table charts illustrates the information about 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.

At the fleeting glance, the highest element of the New York City is year 2000, which was approximately [redacted phone] people. Followed by, during 1900, the population was near about [redacted phone] residents. However, the lowest number of population was about 80000 individuals.

Moving ahead, the maximum feature of the Manhattan is 1900, the population was more than [redacted phone] and the proportion was 54%. Moreover, in 2000, the number of individuals was [redacted phone] and the percentage was 19%. However, the minimum count of residents was 60000 and the percentage was 76%.

Moving further, the highest count of the population was during 2000, the count was [redacted phone] people and the percentage was 81%. Furthermore, in 1900, the population was [redacted phone] and the proportion was 46%. However, the lowest population was during 1800, the count was more than 18000.

Overall, the population of New York City increased significantly over the period. Manhattan experienced an increase followed by a decline, while the other districts showed continuous growth and became the dominant population centre.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the data, including the total population growth and the shifts between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. You list specific figures without always providing the necessary context or meaningful comparisons. For instance, you mention the 1900 population for Manhattan but do not clearly contrast it with the 1800 or 2000 figures to highlight the trend effectively. While you identify the overall growth, the report lacks a more analytical approach to the data provided in the tables. To improve, focus on grouping data points to tell a clearer story rather than simply listing numbers.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Furthermore', and 'Overall' to transition between ideas. However, the flow is occasionally mechanical, and some sentences feel disconnected. For example, the transition between the general population and the specific district data could be smoother. Additionally, the referencing is sometimes unclear; in the third and fourth paragraphs, it is not always immediately obvious which data set you are referring to without looking back at the prompt. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear subject references would enhance the coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'dominant', and 'experienced an increase'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing. Phrases like 'At the fleeting glance' and 'the highest element of the New York City' are unnatural and do not accurately describe statistical data. You also rely on repetitive structures when introducing figures. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic collocations and avoid informal or awkward phrasing. Expanding your repertoire of synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' would also be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'Followed by, during 1900' (which is a fragment) and 'the highest count of the population was during 2000'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage in lists and introductory phrases. There are occasional errors in subject-verb agreement and preposition usage. To improve, focus on ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject and verb, and work on reducing the frequency of minor errors to allow for more complex, error-free sentences.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.