Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-31

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 first table provides data about new york city's population in various years, conclusive of all 5 districts. The population exponentially grew from 1800 to 2000. back in 1800s the population was roughly 80,000 to be specific 79216 which rose to around [redacted phone] in 1900 and nearly double in 2000.

The following tables compare the population changes between manhattan and other 4 districts of new york city.

in 1800's the majority of the people (60515) were living in manhattan, sitting at a total of 76% the other 24% population was settled in other 4 districts. In 1900's the population in manhattan was 54% slightly higher than other 4 districts which is shown to be 46%. by 2000 the population in other districts grew to 81% compared to only 19% in manhattan.

Overall it is evident that over the years most people have moved to the other districts from manhattan with time. by 2000 other districts recorded the highest figure in contrast to manhattan.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the main overall changes: New York’s population rose substantially, while Manhattan’s share fell and the other districts’ share increased. The percentages are reported accurately, and you include useful figures for Manhattan in 1800 and 1900. However, some details are imprecise: the total in 1900 was 3,437,202, not simply “around 3500000,” and the 2000 total of 8,009,185 is not nearly double the 1900 figure. The claim that people “have moved” from Manhattan also suggests migration, which the tables do not establish; they show a change in population distribution. Develop the overview with the exact contrast that Manhattan’s population peaked in 1900 before declining, while the other districts continued to grow.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a generally clear structure: it introduces the tables, describes the population distribution by year, and ends with an overall statement. This makes the main comparisons easy to follow. However, the overview comes after the detailed comparisons, and the final paragraph repeats the shift in population share rather than adding a distinct summary. Some linking is mechanical, particularly the repeated use of “in 1800s,” “in 1900s,” and “by 2000.” The reference in “the other 24% population” is also awkward and briefly unclear. A more effective progression would be to give the key trends first, then compare the figures in chronological order, using clearer links such as “whereas” and “by contrast.”

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of vocabulary for describing trends and comparisons, including “grew,” “rose,” “compared to,” and “in contrast.” Some attempts at more emphatic or less common wording are not precise or natural in this context. “Exponentially grew” overstates what the table demonstrates, while “sitting at a total of 76%” and “settled in other 4 districts” are awkward collocations. “Moved to the other districts” also implies a cause or migration that the data do not show. Use neutral, accurate reporting language and vary expressions for proportions and changes. Check spelling and capitalisation of proper names, especially “New York City” and “Manhattan.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You use both simple sentences and some longer structures, and the main information remains understandable. However, there are some errors in sentence boundaries, capitalisation, articles, and number forms. For example, “back in 1800s the population…” begins a new sentence without a capital letter and needs an article (“in the 1800s”); “in 1800's” uses an incorrect apostrophe; and “the other 24% population” is missing a grammatical link such as “of the population.” The opening sentence also has an awkward construction in “conclusive of all 5 districts.” Improve control by checking sentence starts and endings, using articles consistently, and forming comparisons in complete, well-punctuated sentences. More accurate complex sentences would add range without sacrificing clarity.

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