Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-26
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 provides information about changes in the total population of New York City and its five districts from 1800 to 2000.
We can clearly see that the total population of New York is increasing since 1800. Whereas the population of Manhattan increased from 1800 to 1900 but declined later. In terms of percentage, it is 19% in 2000. In other districts like Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island, the population is increasing drastically. Its total share is 81% in 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, as it is only 81 words long. Consequently, the information is presented in a very fragmented and incomplete manner. While you have identified the general trend of population growth, you have failed to provide a detailed summary of the data. Key features, such as the specific population figures for different years or the comparative growth rates between the five districts, are largely ignored. To improve, you must provide a more comprehensive overview, include specific data points from the tables to support your observations, and ensure you cover all parts of the prompt to reach the required length.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is too brief to demonstrate effective paragraphing or a logical progression of ideas. While there is a basic attempt to group information, the lack of development makes the structure feel disjointed. Cohesive devices are minimal; for example, you use 'Whereas' to contrast Manhattan with other districts, but the connection between sentences is weak. To achieve a higher band, you need to use a wider range of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, allowing the reader to follow the comparison of data points across the two-century period more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is functional but limited. You rely on basic verbs like 'increasing' and 'declined' repeatedly. There is little attempt to use more sophisticated or varied vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'surged', 'plummeted', or 'fluctuated'. To improve, you should incorporate a wider range of topic-specific vocabulary related to data analysis and trends. Avoid repeating the same words; instead, use synonyms and precise collocations to describe the changes in population figures. Expanding your range will help you convey information with greater precision and academic tone.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains several grammatical errors that affect clarity. For instance, 'the total population of New York is increasing since 1800' should be in the present perfect continuous tense ('has been increasing') to reflect a period starting in the past. Additionally, 'It is 19% in 2000' is vague, as it is unclear what 'it' refers to. You rely heavily on simple sentence structures. To improve, you should practice using a mix of complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions, and ensure your verb tenses are accurate when discussing historical data.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.