Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-25
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 table above depicts the total percentage of population of all districts of the Newyork city ,since 1800 to 2000.As there are 6 districts of the Newyork city.If we look at number of people of Newyork city in 1800 the figures are quite average,but we noticed a surge in population in 1900 and added almost double figure in the year 200.
Furthermore the table which is illustrating the population data about manhattan where the data is elaborating the percentage of total population is fluctuating as we can notice in 1800 the figures are quite on the top on the other hand in 1900 and 2000 the percentage surprisingly declined
The last table which visualizes that population percentage of other 5 districts is surprisingly increased from 1900 to 2000 as compared to 1800 by 46% and 80%
After comparing all three tables we have noticed the total population of manhattan got quite higher figure than rest of the districts of Newyork city where.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response attempts to address the task but fails to accurately report the data. The student misinterprets the tables, stating there are '6 districts' when there are 5, and incorrectly describes the population trends. The data provided in the text (e.g., '46% and 80%') does not clearly align with the provided tables, leading to a lack of clarity. While the main features are mentioned, the analysis is superficial and contains factual inaccuracies regarding the data presented. To improve, focus on accurately extracting and comparing specific figures from the tables rather than making vague generalizations.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is weak. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as 'Furthermore' and 'The last table'. There is a lack of clear progression between ideas, and the final sentence is incomplete ('where.'), which disrupts the coherence of the conclusion. Paragraphing is present but does not effectively group related information. To improve, ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and use a wider variety of linking words to connect sentences and ideas more naturally.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is basic and repetitive. There are several issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'quite average', 'added almost double figure', and 'got quite higher figure'. The student struggles to use precise terminology to describe statistical trends (e.g., 'fluctuating', 'surging', 'declining'). Spelling errors, such as 'Newyork' (should be New York), also detract from the quality of the writing. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'significant increase', 'dramatic decline', or 'proportion'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response relies on simple sentence structures and contains frequent grammatical errors. Issues include incorrect verb tenses ('the table which is illustrating'), missing articles, and awkward phrasing ('the figures are quite on the top'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and the incomplete final sentence. The range of structures is limited, and the errors occasionally make the meaning difficult to follow. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring that every sentence is complete and grammatically sound.
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