Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The tables illustrate the changes in the population of New York City and compare it with the Manhattan and other 4 districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) in three years (1800, 1900 and 2000).

Overall, the total population of New York City increased over the passage of time but meanwhile the Manhattan population was at peak in year 1800 but we see a sudden decrease in its population after 1900. in contrast all other four districts grew rapidly.

In 1800, New York City had a population of only 79,216 people but 60,515 lived in Manhattan, accounting for 76% of the total population, while the other districts contained just 18,701 residents, or 24%.

By 1900, the city's population had risen sharply to 3,437,202. Manhattan remained the largest district with 1,850,093, representing 54% of the total. Meanwhile, the population of the other districts increased to 1,587,109, that is 46% of the city's residents.

In 2000, New York City's population significantly grew and reached 8,009,185. However, Manhattan's population noticeable dropped to 1,538,096 and its share fall to only 19%. In contrast, the other four districts expanded substantially to 6,471,089 people, accounting for 81% of the total population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the population shifts. You effectively compared the total population with the specific districts and included relevant data points to support your claims. The distinction between Manhattan and the other four districts is well-handled. To reach a higher band, ensure that you avoid minor inaccuracies in your summary; for example, you mentioned Manhattan's population was at its 'peak' in 1800, but the data shows it was actually higher in 1900. Precision in reporting figures is essential for Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'By 1900' effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different time periods. The flow of information is smooth, and each paragraph has a clear central topic. To improve, ensure that referencing is always precise; for instance, 'the other four districts' is a good way to group the data, but ensure the transition between these groups remains consistent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'accounting for', 'remained the largest district', and 'expanded substantially' are used accurately. There are some minor word choice errors, such as 'noticeable dropped' (should be 'noticeably dropped') and 'share fall' (should be 'share fell'). While these do not impede communication, addressing these small grammatical-lexical slips would elevate your score. You have successfully avoided repetitive language by using a variety of verbs to describe population changes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most of your sentences are clear and easy to follow. However, there are a few grammatical errors, such as 'in contrast all other four districts' (missing punctuation) and 'share fall' (incorrect verb tense). Additionally, 'noticeable dropped' should be an adverb ('noticeably'). While these errors are present, they are not frequent enough to cause confusion. To achieve a higher band, focus on ensuring consistent subject-verb agreement and correct adverb usage when describing trends.

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

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