Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-28
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 provided table charts illustrate the fluctuation in the total population of New York City in the year of 1800 to 2000 and variation in the population of the five areas of New York such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx. Queens, Staten Island the same period.
Overall, it can be seen that, in New York City the population was at the peak in 2000. While, it was listed for the lowest in 1800. Further in 1800, Manhattan held the most of the total population. However, that number had become the least in 2000.
To begin with New York City, the total population was at the peak of 8,009,185 in 2000. In contrast, the population was at least with 79,216 in 1800. However by the year of 1900, the population rose to 3,437,202.
In Manhattan, 76% of the total population were living in 1800 with remaining 24% in the other districts. Surprisingly, the percentage of the total population reduced by 22% in 1900. However, the overall ratio jumped to 46% in the other districts. By the end of 2005, only one fifth of the all population were staying in Manhattan with 19%. The total population was the highest in other districts with 81%
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by reporting the main features of the population changes in New York City and its districts between 1800 and 2000. An overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting key shifts such as the peak population in 2000 and the changing dominance of Manhattan. Key data points from the tables are correctly selected and compared, such as Manhattan accounting for 76% of the population in 1800 and dropping to 19% by 2000. However, there is a minor chronological slip in the final paragraph ('By the end of 2005'), whereas the chart shows the year 2000. Overall, the task is well covered with clear and relevant data selection.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The response exhibits a clear logical progression and is structured into appropriate paragraphs, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by body paragraphs detailing the total population and district breakdowns. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'Overall', 'To begin with', and 'In contrast'. However, some of the linking is slightly mechanical or awkward, as seen in 'While, it was listed for the lowest' and 'Further in 1800'. Additionally, referencing could be smoother when introducing the combined other districts. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate distinct themes.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student displays an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'fluctuation', 'variation', 'dominance', and percentage descriptions. There are, however, some lexical and collocational inaccuracies, such as 'population was at the peak' instead of 'peaked' or 'reached its peak', and 'was listed for the lowest'. Punctuation errors involving missing conjunctions and stray periods also appear in the first paragraph ('Brooklyn, Bronx. Queens, Staten Island'). While less common vocabulary is attempted, errors in word choice and phrasing prevent the score from reaching a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including subordinate clauses ('While, it was listed for the lowest in 1800'). There are several grammatical errors and awkward structures throughout the text, such as 'the total population was at least with 79,216' and 'all population were staying'. Punctuation and article usage are occasionally faulty, for instance 'in the year of 1800 to 2000' and missing commas. Despite these errors, the meaning remains clear and communication is not severely impeded.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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