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 very first table illustrates the change in the population of New York City from the 18th to the 20th century, followed by two tables which show the population change in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island from 1800 to the year 2000. Overall, the big change in the population was in the four districts of New York City as Manhattan contributed more people to the total population.

In the 18th century, the total population of New York City was around 80 thousand; Manhattan alone contributed above 60 thousand people, 76% of the total population. However, the combined population of the other four districts was around 18,701 people, contributing 24% to the total population. In the 19th century, the total population of New York City was around 3.5 million; Manhattan alone accounted for almost 1.9 million, 54% of the total population. The other four districts combined had around 1.6 million people, which contributed 46% to the total population.

In the 20th century, the total population of New York City was slightly above 8 million; Manhattan accounted for slightly above 1.5 million, 19% of the total population, followed by the other four districts which contributed almost 6.5 million people, 81% to the total population of New York City.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The candidate successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by presenting and comparing data from the tables regarding the population of New York City and its constituent districts across three specific years (1800, 1900, and 2000). Key features and trends are accurately reported, such as the overall population growth and the shifting proportion of inhabitants living in Manhattan versus the other four districts. The overview is somewhat basic ('the big change in the population was in the four districts'), but overall, the task is well-handled with clear and accurate referencing of the statistical data provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs dedicated to different time periods, and an appropriate overall summary. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader through the data, such as 'In the 18th century', 'However', and 'In the 20th century'. Paragraphing is logical and effective, separating the introduction/overview from the chronological body paragraphs. While some transitions are a bit mechanical, the logical progression is clear and maintained throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, successfully conveying statistical changes with terms like 'population', 'districts', 'contributed', and 'accounted for'. However, the range of vocabulary lacks sophistication and variety, frequently repeating phrases like 'total population', 'contributed', and 'other four districts'. There are some minor inaccuracies in collocation or phrasing, such as referring to the years 1800 and 1900 as the '18th century' and '19th century' respectively (which corresponds to 1701-1800 and 1801-1900, whereas the prompt specifies the years 1800, 1900, and 2000, aligning with the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries). Overall vocabulary is sufficient for communication but lacks flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The candidate demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, using relative clauses and subordinate clauses appropriately (e.g., 'followed by two tables which show...', 'which contributed 46% to the total population'). Grammatical accuracy is generally good, with many error-free sentences, though control over complex structures occasionally wavers. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and list items. Errors do not impede communication, and the grammatical control is solid enough to meet the criteria for a band 6.5 or 7.0.

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