Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-06

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 GIVEN TABLES DEMONSTRATES THE CHANGES IN TOTAL POPULATION OF NEW YORK CITY, MANHATTAN AND OTHER FIVE DISTRICTS OF THE CITY FROM 1800 TO 2000.

OVERALL, THE POPULATION OF NEW YORK CITY OUTSTOOD THE POPULATION OF MANHATTAN AND OTHER DISTRICTS WHILE THE PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPUATION OF MANHATTAN CURTAILED OVER THE GIVEN TIMESPAN AS COMPARED TO THE TOTAL POPULATION.

FIRSTLY, IN YEAR 1800, THE POPULATION OF NEW YORK CITY QAS 79216 WHICH INCREASED SHARPLY AND IN 2000, IT WAS AT AA HIGH RISE OF 8 MILLION ACCROS ALL THE FIVE DISTRICTS. SECONDLY, THE POPULATION OF MANHATTAN SHOWED A DRAMATIC EFFECT AND INCREASED FROM 60515 IN 1800 TO 1.8 MILLION IN 1900, HOWEVER, IT CURTAILED CONSISTENTLY AND FELL TO 1.5 MILLION IN 2000 MAKING ITS PERCENTAGE POPULATION REACH FROM 76% TO 19% FROM 1800 TO 2000.

AS PER THE REST OF DISCTRICTS OF THE CITY, THE POPULATION BOOSTED SHARPLY AND REACHED 6.4 MILLION IN 2000 AFTER GETTING A SHARP KICK FROM 18701 IN 1800. A NOTICABLE SHIFT OF POPULATION FROM 1900 TO 2000 CAN BE OBSERVED SINCE IT WAS MERE 1.5 MILLION IN 1900 BUT SHARPLY REACHED TO 6.5 MILLION IN 2000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features, overall trends, and relevant comparisons from the provided data tables. An overview is present, highlighting the contrasting population trajectories between Manhattan and the other districts. Key data points, such as the initial and final populations for New York City, Manhattan, and the combined remaining districts, are accurately cited. However, some ideas remain slightly under-developed or lack full analytical extension; for instance, the dramatic percentage shift in Manhattan from 76% to 19% is noted, but the underlying mechanics of this redistribution are not fully integrated into a cohesive comparative narrative. To reach the next level, the response needs to provide a more deeply developed and thoroughly synthesised comparison of population growth rates across all specified categories throughout the entire two-century timeline.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response exhibits a coherent overall arrangement with a clear attempt to structure the information logically into an introduction, an overview, and separate body paragraphs for specific data categories. Paragraphing is utilised to group related statistics, moving from city-wide totals to specific districts. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical and mechanical transitions such as 'FIRSTLY', 'SECONDLY', and 'AS PER THE REST OF' are overused in a rigid, formulaic manner. Furthermore, referencing and logical progression occasionally falter, such as the abrupt transition when introducing the remaining districts. To achieve a higher band, the writer must use a wider and more flexible range of cohesive devices naturally, ensuring smoother transitions between sentences and paragraphs without relying on heavy-handed signposting.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate to accomplish the task, though it is constrained by noticeable limitations and inaccuracies. The student attempts less common vocabulary, such as 'OUTSTOOD', 'CURTAILED', and 'HIGH RISE', but these choices demonstrate awkward collocations or incorrect word forms. For example, 'outstood' is not a standard lexical item in this context, and 'curtailed' is used inappropriately to describe a natural demographic decrease in population size rather than a deliberate reduction. There are also typographical errors and formatting issues, such as writing entirely in capital letters throughout the text. To improve lexical resource, the writer should focus on expanding their range of appropriate vocabulary for describing statistical trends, ensuring precise word choices and correct word forms that reflect natural academic style.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The writing displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating an attempt to handle comparative and sequential structures. There are several grammatical errors and typos present, such as 'QAS' instead of 'was', 'ACCROS' instead of 'across', and missing articles in phrases like 'IN YEAR 1800'. Prepositional usage and punctuation also show occasional inaccuracies, such as 'IN 2000, IT WAS AT AA HIGH RISE'. Despite these errors, the sentence structures are sufficiently varied that communication is rarely impeded. To progress to a higher band, the writer must increase the proportion of error-free complex sentences and exercise much tighter control over basic grammatical agreements, spelling, and article usage.

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