Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-15

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 compare the changes in total population of New York City over 300 years. The first table illustrates the overall changes in the population in all five districts, while the second and third table show the proportion of changes in the population of five districts, illustrating separate data for Manhattan over the same period.

Overall, it is evident that the total population in New York City experienced a sharp increase during the 300-year period, along with the increase in residents in four districts, such as Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. However, the ratio of inhabitants in Manhattan decreased significantily over the same period.

Looking first at the total population of New York City, the figure reached 8,009,185 in 2000 from only 79,216 in 1800, which represented significant growth over the period. Furthermore, the third table illustrates the proportion of population in four districts. In 1800, only 18,701 individuals lived which represented almost a quarter of the total population. However, the figure continued to rise and reached 81% in 2000.

Turning to Manhattan, there were 60,515 people in 1800, which represented 76% of total population. The proportion then declined dramatically, reaching only 19% by 2000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the population changes in New York City and making relevant comparisons between Manhattan and the other four districts. The overview is clear and accurately captures the overarching trends, noting the sharp overall population growth, the dramatic rise in the other districts, and the significant decline in Manhattan's population proportion. Data points such as the initial and final figures (e.g., 79,216 in 1800 to 8,009,185 in 2000) are correctly cited and integrated into the response. The information is well-selected, and the comparisons between the central district and the combined outer districts are effectively highlighted, demonstrating a strong understanding of the visual data provided. The response satisfies all criteria for a Band 7.0 in Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text is logically organised with a clear progression throughout. It begins with an appropriate introductory paragraph that paraphrases the prompt, followed by a clear overview paragraph. Subsequent body paragraphs deal logically with the overall population trends and then contrast the other districts with Manhattan. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader, such as 'Overall, it is evident', 'Looking first at', 'Furthermore', and 'Turning to Manhattan'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct function in structuring the report. Referencing is generally clear and appropriate, contributing to the overall coherence of the response, earning a solid Band 7.0 in this area.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'overall population', 'sharp increase', 'proportion of changes', and 'declined dramatically' show a satisfactory command of lexical items related to data analysis. However, there is a minor spelling error ('significantily' instead of 'significantly') and a slight phrasing awkwardness in 'the proportion of changes in the population of five districts'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the message with flexibility and precision, it falls slightly short of the wide, fluent range required for Band 8.0, making Band 7.0 an accurate reflection of the student's lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a good level of grammatical control. Complex structures are attempted and often successfully executed, as seen in 'The tables compare the changes in total population of New York City over 300 years' and 'In 1800, only 18,701 individuals lived which represented almost a quarter of the total population' (though the latter is missing a relative pronoun or a comma before 'which'). There are occasional minor grammatical slips, such as 'the second and third table' (singular instead of plural) and the missing noun object after 'lived'. Nevertheless, the majority of sentences are error-free, and the errors do not impede communication, supporting a Band 7.0 rating.

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

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