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 tables show the changes in the total population of New York City and the populations of its five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island) from 1800 to 2000.
Overall, the total population of New York City increased significantly during the two centuries. Most of this growth happened between 1800 and 1900, and after that, the population remained relatively stable.
In 1800, the total population of the city was quite low, with Manhattan being the most populated area. Brooklyn was also growing fast, and by 1900, it had more people than Manhattan. The Bronx and Queens had very small populations in the 1800s, but their numbers increased a lot by 1900.
On the other hand, between 1900 and 2000, the population in Manhattan and Brooklyn slightly decreased, while Queens and Staten Island continued to grow. Staten Island always had the smallest number of people, but it showed a steady rise over the years.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response provides a clear overview of the population trends. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the significant growth in the 19th century and the subsequent stabilization. However, the report lacks specific data points. For instance, you mention the population was 'quite low' or 'increased a lot' without referencing the actual figures provided in the tables. To reach a higher band, you must integrate specific data (e.g., 'from 60,000 in 1800 to 3.4 million in 1900') to support your observations. The comparison between boroughs is present, but more precise numerical evidence is required to fully satisfy the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group information by time periods. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In 1800', and 'On the other hand' to link your points. While the paragraphing is appropriate, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical. To improve, you could vary your linking phrases and ensure that the transition between the general city trends and the specific borough data is more seamless. Overall, the structure is coherent and serves the purpose of the report well.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'significantly', 'relatively stable', and 'boroughs' correctly. The language is generally natural and conveys the intended meaning without difficulty. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and lacks the precision required for a higher band. For example, phrases like 'increased a lot' or 'quite low' are quite basic. Incorporating more sophisticated lexical items related to data analysis, such as 'surged', 'experienced a marginal decline', or 'remained stagnant', would enhance the quality of your writing and demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The Bronx and Queens had very small populations in the 1800s, but their numbers increased a lot by 1900.' The grammar is generally accurate, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. Most of your sentences are error-free, which is a positive sign. To move into the higher bands, you should aim to incorporate a greater variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions or more sophisticated subordinating clauses, while maintaining the current level of accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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