Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-04

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 tables state the data about, the population count of New York along with it`s five districts during time period of [redacted phone].

Overall, New york city observed an increase of population over time. Among the five districts, Manhattan contributed to the main proportions in-total. While the other four were able to attract a large number of people in 2000.

Manhattan was the major district in terms of inhabitants number contributing 76 percent, whereas, Brooklyn,Bronx,Queens and Staten Island all made 24 percent of total. In 1900, Manhattan had a decline in numbers but was still able to manage being the primary driver. While the rest summed up a number of 46 percent which shows a rise.

By the year, 2000, four districts of New York showed a significant increase in numbers of up-to 81 percent but Manhattan had opposite results to these with a dcrease in number of people preferring to live in Mahattan which was once a major contributor.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the given time period. You provide an overview outlining the general population growth of New York City and the shifting proportions between Manhattan and the other four districts. However, some ideas are slightly under-developed or lack full elaboration, particularly when detailing the specific numbers for the four combined districts in 1900 and 2000. To reach a higher band, all selected trends and key data points need to be fully extended and supported with clearer comparative analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and body paragraphs dedicated to specific time frames. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical or faulty, such as the awkward transition 'By the year, 2000' and the abrupt shift between sentences within the body paragraphs. Referencing could also be managed more smoothly to ensure a seamless progression of ideas from one sentence to the next. Paragraphing is attempted, but logical links between sentences occasionally falter, preventing the response from achieving a clearer and more fluid progression throughout.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

An adequate range of vocabulary is used to convey information about population trends, including terms such as 'proportions', 'inhabitants', 'primary driver', and 'significant increase'. However, there are noticeable lexical errors, such as the misspelled word 'dcresaed' (written as 'dcrease'), incorrect word choice in phrases like 'inhabitants number', and awkward phrasing like 'made 24 percent of total'. Attempts to use less common vocabulary sometimes result in collocation inaccuracies that slightly strain the reader, though communication is generally maintained. Expanding your control over precise statistical terminology will help improve your lexical score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The text displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over structure. However, frequent grammatical errors are present, including punctuation issues like unnecessary commas ('data about, the population'), misuse of apostrophes ('it`s'), and missing articles ('a decline in numbers', 'total population'). You also rely on repetitive sentence patterns when describing data changes. While these errors rarely completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to restrict the writing to a lower band. Ensuring closer attention to subject-verb agreement, prepositions, and article usage will strengthen grammatical accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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