Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-30
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 illustrate changes in the total population of New York City and its five districts namely; Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island.
Overall, the total population of New York City rose significantly. Similarly, the population of its districts grew substantialy except Manhattan.
In 1800 New York had 79,216 residents. The number dramaticaly grew to 3,437,202 and 8,009,185 in 1900 and 2000 respectively. In contrast, Manhattan's contribution to the total population experienced a notable decline from 76% to 54% and finally 19% in the given period of time. However, it witnessed a slight increase in residency from 60,515 to 1,850,093 in 1900 before a dip to 1,538,096 in next 100 years.
Other four districts; Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island represented 24% of the total population with 18,701 individuals in 1800 that skyrocketed to 1,587,109 in 1900 and 6,471,089 in 2000. In 1900, these districts constituted 46% of the total population and soared to 81% in 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the overall population change in New York City from 1800 to 2000, while also providing detailed figures for the five districts. A clear overview is presented in the second paragraph, highlighting the general growth trend alongside Manhattan's contrasting trajectory. Key data points, such as the total population figures and percentage shifts for Manhattan and the other districts, are accurately cited and compared. The response is fully relevant and satisfies the requirements of Task 1 by selecting and reporting significant trends without unnecessary repetition, placing it firmly at a Band 7.0 level.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The response is logically organized into four paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, followed by an overview, a body paragraph focusing on Manhattan, and a final body paragraph detailing the other districts. Cohesive devices are employed to signal progression and contrast, such as 'Overall', 'Similarly', 'In contrast', and 'However'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate thematic shifts. Although referencing is mostly clear, a minor punctuation error in the opening sentence ('namely;') slightly disrupts the flow. Nevertheless, the overall logical progression is clear throughout, earning a solid Band 7.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms such as 'residents', 'contribution', 'notable decline', and 'skyrocketed'. However, there are a few noticeable spelling errors, including 'substantay' (substantial) and 'dramaticaly' (dramatically). Less common lexical items are attempted, but spelling and morphological slips prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Communication is never impeded by these lexical shortcomings, placing the writing comfortably within Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
The response incorporates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, utilizing subordinate clauses and participial phrases effectively (e.g., 'In contrast, Manhattan's contribution to the total population experienced a notable decline...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and control over basic tenses and numbers is generally sound. However, a few punctuation errors occur, such as the unnecessary semicolon after 'namely' in the first sentence and a missing preposition in 'in next 100 years'. These minor errors do not impede communication, supporting a Band 6.5 score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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