Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-11-13

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 5.5)

The tables tracks the change in total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000.First table represent the data about overall population of the city for all five districts.Second table tracks the percentage of total population in the district manhattan.Third table illustrates the percentage pf total population in remaining 4 districts are: Brooklyn,Bronx,Queens,Stalen Island from 1800 to 2000.

Overall , population table shows a substantial increase in numbers of polution over the period.In 1800 the population in New York City was just 79,216 which rose to 3,437,202 in 1900 and ends up with 8,009,185 popultion in a new york city.

The distribution of population among the districts shows the Manhattan district have the heighest numbers and percentage of population living thier, Further more the percentage In 1800 was about 76% , the population numbers may still increase from 60,515 to 1,538,096 in 2000 but the percentage falls beacuse of the increaing percentage population of other ditricts but it still remains as the top contributer.

At last the remining districts population is not as huge as of Manhattan, but thier contribution is still remarkable , In 1800's the sum of population for four districts is just 18,701 with the percentage of just 24, however,in 1900, the percentage rose to 46 and show a significant increase but in 2000 the population increase to 81 percent and make the heighest contribution of the New York City.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You cover the main time span and identify the key contrast: New York’s total population rose substantially, while Manhattan’s share fell and the other districts’ share grew. Several figures are reported accurately, including the city totals and the 1800 figures. However, some important details are unclear or inaccurate. You say Manhattan “still remains as the top contributor” in 2000, although its population of 1,538,096 was far below the other districts’ combined 6,471,089. The 1900 Manhattan share of 54% is also omitted, and the final comparison of the other districts is imprecise. Develop the overview around the shift in population distribution and distinguish population totals from percentages more consistently.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and paragraphs describing the city total and district distribution. This gives the reader a general route through the information. However, the progression within the district paragraphs is sometimes difficult to follow, particularly where population counts and percentages are mixed in the same sentence. For example, “the population numbers may still increase from 60,515 to 1,538,096 in 2000 but the percentage falls” does not clearly state the intermediate figure or the year when the share fell. Linking phrases such as “At last” and “Further more” are also mechanical or awkward. Group the figures by year or by district, and use clearer references to guide comparisons.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant task vocabulary, including “substantial increase,” “percentage,” “contribution,” and “distribution,” which helps communicate the broad trends. However, spelling errors and imprecise or repetitive word choices reduce control: “polution,” “popultion,” “thier,” “heighest,” and “contributer” occur, while “numbers” and “percentage” are repeated without always specifying whether you mean population or share. Some collocations are unnatural, such as “the sum of population” and “make the heighest contribution.” Use accurate forms such as “combined population” and “accounted for the largest share,” and check spelling carefully. More precise vocabulary for describing rises, falls, and proportions would make the comparisons clearer.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more extended sentences, including clauses linked with “but” and “however,” so there is some variety. Meaning is generally recoverable, but errors in agreement, articles, sentence boundaries, and punctuation are evident. For example, “The tables tracks” should use a plural verb, and “the Manhattan district have” has a subject–verb agreement error. The opening also runs several sentences together without spaces after full stops, while “the percentage rose to 46 and show” shifts incorrectly between verb forms. Some long sentences combine several ideas without clear grammatical control. Aim for shorter, complete sentences first, then build complexity with accurate clauses and consistent tense.

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