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 Table compares the population of New York city from 1800 to 2000 and show how it is divide in Manhattan and other four districts of the city (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island).
Overall, the New York city's population increased through the time. Although Manhattan remain the important part of the city, its share of the total population fell steadily, while other four districts experienced more growth and became home of my city's resident by 2000.
In 1800, New York city population was 79,216 from which most of the people live in Manhattan 60,515 76% of population. Although 24% (18,701) of population was living in other districts in 1800.
In 1900, the population rose in New york city 3,437,202. In Manhattan the number of resident also increased significantly about 1,850,093 which 54% of population. However in other four districts in 1900 also has a significant increase in population 1,587,109 which makes 46% of total population.
In 2000, this number rose to 8,009,185 in New York city. In 2000 Manhattan the resident get decrease to 1,538,096 As percentage of 19% total population. In 2000, other districts became half of the New York city's resident for people 6,471,089 As per 81% of total population.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the data, including the overall population growth and the shift in distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, relying heavily on listing figures rather than synthesizing trends. While the key comparison (the shift from Manhattan-centric to outer-district dominance) is identified, the presentation of data in the body paragraphs is repetitive and lacks a sophisticated comparative approach. The summary is accurate, but the lack of clear, analytical grouping of the data points limits the score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific time periods. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'In 1800', 'In 1900', 'In 2000'). There is a lack of varied linking words to connect ideas within sentences, and some transitions between sentences feel abrupt. The referencing is generally clear, but the overall flow could be improved by using more sophisticated signposting to guide the reader through the comparative analysis.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'resident get decrease' and 'home of my city's resident'. The student relies on basic verbs like 'increased' and 'rose' repeatedly. While the terminology related to the task (e.g., 'population', 'districts', 'share') is used correctly, the range is limited, and the errors in word choice occasionally draw attention to the language rather than the information being presented.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('Manhattan remain', 'resident get decrease'), incorrect preposition usage, and awkward sentence construction ('from which most of the people live in Manhattan'). While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar and sentence structure impede the flow and demonstrate a lack of control over complex forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly regarding the placement of numbers and percentages.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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