Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The tables provide information about population in New York City between 1800 and 2000 and also includes the contribution of Manhattan and other district towards total population of the city. Overall, it is evident that the population of New York City witnessed upward trend, whereas the contribution of Manhattan declined steadily throughout the period resulting in the rise of population in other districts.

The population of New York City recorded a substantial growth, which started with over 79000 grew nearly 4 times by 1900. By 2000, the population rised to over 80000. Similarly, a upward trend is seen in the population of other districts. In 1800, proportion of population in other districts was 24%, which then rised to 46% in 1900 and 81% of residents in New York City.

However, there was a considerable drop in the contribution of Manhattan in population of New York City, started with 76% in 1800 fell to 54% in 1900 and 19% in 2000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of New York City's overall population growth alongside a breakdown of Manhattan versus the other districts. You present a clear overview in your introduction, noting the general upward trend of the city's total population contrasted with the shifting proportions between Manhattan and the other districts. Data is accurately selected and compared, such as noting how the population grew from 79,216 in 1800 and tracing the percentage shifts from 76% in Manhattan down to 19%. However, some details are slightly compressed, and a minor numerical slip occurs when writing 'over 80000' instead of over 8 million for the year 2000. These minor inaccuracies mean the response sits solidly at this band rather than a higher one, as extending the analysis of absolute figures alongside the percentage shifts would provide a more fully developed account.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The writing demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. You introduce the topic effectively, follow up with a body paragraph detailing the overall city population and the growth in other districts, and conclude with a focused paragraph addressing the contrasting trend in Manhattan. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct themes. Cohesive devices are employed with reasonable flexibility, such as transitional phrases like 'Overall, it is evident', 'Similarly', and 'However'. While the progression is clear and easy to follow, occasional mechanical use of referencing or slightly abrupt transitions prevent the cohesion from feeling entirely natural and seamless, keeping the response at this level.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is adequate and shows an attempt to incorporate less common lexical items suited to academic data reporting, such as 'upward trend', 'substantial growth', 'proportion', and 'considerable drop'. You demonstrate sufficient range to convey the main features and comparisons with some precision. However, there are a few lexical inaccuracies and awkward word choices, such as writing 'contribution of Manhattan towards total population' instead of share or proportion, and a few missing prepositions or article slips that hint at word-choice limitations. Spelling is generally accurate, but these occasional slips in collocation and precise phrasing prevent the lexical range from achieving higher-level sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The text displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at subordinate clauses and comparative structures, such as in the opening sentence and the structural contrast introduced by 'However'. There are several error-free sentences, and punctuation is generally handled well. Nevertheless, a number of grammatical errors persist throughout the text, including tense and verb form issues (e.g., 'population rised' instead of rose, 'also includes' where plural agreement is required for tables), missing articles (e.g., 'started with over 79000'), and awkward prepositional choices. These errors occur regularly alongside correct structures, meaning communication is rarely impeded, but control lacks the consistency required for higher bands.

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

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