Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-11

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 given table illustrates the number of residents of New York city for a period of 200 years. Same as the second and third table outlines the proportion of population of the five districts of the city such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, or Staten Island over the period from 1800 to 2000. In general the data shows that New York's population size increased dramatically by 2000, whereas its major proportion consist of small districts like Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. However, these two figures of population of Manhattan and other districts followed opposite trends.

In 1800, 76% figure of the Manhattan city was the substantial count of New York's population. It then declined steadily and remained only 54% and 19% by 1900 and 2000 respectively. Meanwhile, other districts such as Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island were a small proportion of about 24% in 1800.

Over the years, a marked contrast was observed in the contribution of New York's population. In 1900, population of other districts increased steadily. 46% of population count was the part of small districts. In 2000, New York's population rose sharply and the largest share come from districts other than Manhattan. In contrast, Manhattan population's share was only accounted for 19% in the residents of New York.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the population shifts. You highlighted the contrast between Manhattan and the other districts effectively. However, the response lacks specific data regarding the total population figures (e.g., the growth from 60,000 to 8 million), focusing almost exclusively on the percentages. To reach a higher band, ensure you integrate the actual population numbers provided in the first table to support your analysis. The description of the trends is generally accurate, but the inclusion of more specific data points would provide a more comprehensive summary of the information presented in the tables.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding trend analysis. You use some cohesive devices such as 'meanwhile', 'in contrast', and 'over the years' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally imprecise, such as in the phrase 'Same as the second and third table'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the flow. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'dramatically', 'steadily', and 'marked contrast'. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as '76% figure of the Manhattan city' and 'the largest share come from', which are slightly unnatural. While you successfully convey the meaning, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and lacks the sophistication required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and varying your descriptive verbs and nouns to avoid relying on basic phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'Same as the second and third table outlines' (which is a fragment/run-on issue) and 'Manhattan population's share was only accounted for 19% in the residents'. These errors do not impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. You should work on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive versus active voice. Increasing the variety of complex sentence structures while ensuring they remain error-free will help improve your score in this criterion.

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

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