Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-19

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 determine the changes occured in the total population of the New York City and accross its five districts namely Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island between 1800 and 2000.

Overall, the total population of the city increased throughout the time period. In the early years, Manhattan had the highest population which decreased in the following years, while in contrast other districts had the lowest percentage and became poplular residential units for citizens in the coming years.

In 1800, the total popluation was 79,216 of the New York City, which rapidly increased in each century and rose to 3,437,202 and 8,009,185 number of residents in 1900 and 2000. Manhattan was the largest residential place in 1800, acquiring 76% of the total popluation of the city which is 60,515 in numbers. Although number wise the population in Manhattan increased, the percentage dramatically fell to 54% in 1900 and 19% in 2000.

In contrast, other districts were the least populated places, having 24% of population which is equals to 18,701 in numbers in 1800. Notably, the population in other districts increased with the same proportion at which the Manhattan's popluation decreased. By 1900, the total population ratio increased to 46% and 81% in 2000, which become 1,587,109 and 6,471,089 in numbers respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You cover the main changes and include accurate figures for the city total and both population groups. The overview identifies the overall growth and the shift from Manhattan’s dominance to the other districts; the comparisons of 76% to 19% and 24% to 81% are particularly relevant. You also correctly note that Manhattan’s population rose by 1900 before falling by 2000, although “Although number wise the population in Manhattan increased” is imprecise because it does not specify the period. The claim that other districts became “popular residential units” is not directly shown by the tables. To strengthen the response further, make the overview more precise and distinguish clearly between changes in population numbers and changes in each group’s share of the city total.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear four-paragraph structure: introduction, overview, and two paragraphs comparing Manhattan with the other districts. Its progression from the city-wide trend to district-level details is easy to follow, and linking phrases such as “Overall,” “In contrast,” and “By 1900” help signal relationships. Some connections, however, are not fully clear. For example, “increased with the same proportion at which the Manhattan’s population decreased” is difficult to interpret, since the figures show changes in population shares rather than matching changes in population numbers. The final sentence also combines percentages and absolute figures in a way that makes the reference of “which” unclear. Use more precise referencing and separate these comparisons to make cohesion more natural.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonable range of task-related vocabulary, including “total population,” “percentage,” “increased,” “decreased,” and “residential place.” However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “the tables determine the changes,” “largest residential place,” and “increased with the same proportion.” These choices sometimes make the intended comparison less precise. Spelling errors are also noticeable, including “occured,” “accross,” “popluation,” and “poplular.” Aim for standard data-reporting expressions such as “the tables show,” “had the largest population,” and “accounted for a larger share.” More accurate collocations and careful proofreading would make your vocabulary more effective and controlled.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex structures, including a contrast clause beginning “Although” and a relative clause in “which decreased in the following years.” Most of the main information remains understandable, but some grammatical errors affect clarity. For example, “the total population was 79,216 of the New York City” has an awkward sentence structure, while “which is equals to 18,701” has incorrect verb construction. In “the Manhattan’s population,” the possessive form is also incorrect. Tense and agreement need attention in phrases such as “which become 1,587,109 and 6,471,089.” Practise forming comparisons with accurate clauses and check articles, possessives, and verb forms; this will help you use complex sentences more reliably.

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

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