Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-18

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 provides information about the population of New York City, including all five districts, in 1800, 1900 and 2000.

Overall, the population of New York City increased significantly throughout the period. The most dramatic growth occurred between 1800 and 1900, while the highest population was recorded in 2000.

In 1800, New York City had a population of only 79,216. However, this figure rose dramatically over the next century, reaching 3,437,202 in 1900. This means that the population increased by more than three million people during this period.

The upward trend continued between 1900 and 2000. The population grew from 3,437,202 to 8,009,185, which was an increase of more than four million. Although this rise was substantial, it was less dramatic in relative terms than the growth seen during the first century. Overall, the table shows that New York City experienced remarkable population growth over the 200-year period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The student addresses the task by summarising the overall population trends of New York City using the provided data. An overview is present, highlighting the significant overall growth and the distinct pace between periods. However, there is a critical omission: the response fails to report any data or make comparisons regarding the second and third tables showing the breakdown of the five districts (Manhattan versus other districts, such as the percentage shifts from 76% in Manhattan in 1800 to 19% in 2000). Furthermore, the word count is 148 words, which falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. Band score: 5.0

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The text demonstrates a clear overall arrangement with logical sequencing of information from 1800 to 2000. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with a separate introduction, overview, and body paragraphs dedicated to chronological timeframes. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'However', and 'Although this rise was substantial' are used to connect ideas smoothly. Referencing is clear throughout the text. While the structural flow is sound, the lack of coverage of the second table limits the complexity of the organizational demands. Band score: 6.5

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response, incorporating terms such as 'significantly', 'dramatic growth', 'upward trend', and 'substantial'. There are successful attempts at less common phrasing like 'in relative terms'. Word choice is generally appropriate and communication is not impeded by lexical errors. However, the vocabulary remains fairly standard and lacks the finer precision and sophistication required for higher bands, partly due to the restricted scope of data covered. Band score: 6.0

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writing displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses ('while the highest population was recorded in 2000', 'Although this rise was substantial, it was less dramatic'). Grammatical control is generally high, with accurate past and present tense usage for historical data, and correct punctuation. The majority of sentences are error-free, and any minor flaws do not impede communication at all. The grammatical control is solid and reflects a standard higher than the lexical score. Band score: 7.0

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