Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-24
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 first table illustrate changes in the total population of New York City between 1800 and 2000. Whereas the other two tables indicate data on changes in the population of five districts of the city from 1800 to 2000.
Overall, the population in the five districts (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island) have significantly increased over the period with population reacing a peak in 2000.
In the year 1800 the population of New York City was significantly low with 79,216 members. Followed by this number in 1900 the population increased to 3,437,202. Meanwhile, in the year 2000 the population significantly increased to 8,009,185.
Comparing the changes in the population of five districts Manhattan contributed 76% in the year 1800 followed by 54% in the year 1900. Whereas in the year 2000 the proportion significantly decreased to 19%. Furthermore, the other districts contradicts 24% proportion in 1800 and 46% in 1900. The proportion was significantl increased in the year 2000 with 81%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by reporting the main features of the total population of New York City and breaking down the data between Manhattan and the other districts from 1800 to 2000. An overview is provided, noting the significant overall growth and peak in 2000. Key data points and comparisons are included, such as Manhattan's shift from 76% in 1800 to 19% in 2000. While the response covers the required information well, some ideas could be slightly more extended. Overall, the task is handled competently, earning a solid Band 6.5 to 7.0; here, it fits comfortably into Band 6.0 due to slight under-development in comparing specific district growth numbers.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The response is organized into four logical paragraphs: an introduction, an overall statement, a paragraph on total population, and a paragraph on district comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately. Cohesive devices such as 'Whereas', 'Meanwhile', and 'Furthermore' are deployed to connect ideas, though some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive (e.g., beginning multiple sentences with 'in the year'). Referencing is generally clear, resulting in a coherent overall arrangement that meets the criteria for Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms like 'proportion', 'districts', 'significantly', and 'contributed'. However, there are several lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'reacing' (spelling), 'significantly low' (collocation issue; 'low' is better modified by 'comparatively' or 'relatively'), and 'the other districts contradicts 24%' (incorrect verb choice; 'accounted for' or 'comprised' would be appropriate). These errors do not impede communication, placing the response firmly in Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing introductory clauses and comparative structures. There are several grammatical errors and typos, including subject-verb agreement issues (e.g., 'The first table illustrate' instead of 'illustrates', 'the population... have significantly increased' instead of 'has'), spelling mistakes ('reacing', 'significantl'), and punctuation flaws. Despite these errors, meaning is generally clear and communication is rarely impeded. This performance aligns with Band 6.0 descriptors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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