Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-27
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 given table illustrate changes in population of NEW YOURK CITY from 3 period. above the other tables show different changing in population of 5 districts of the city over the same period.
Overall, The highest population 8,009,185 was in year 2000 in New York City. The lowest population 1,538,096 was in year 2000 in Manhattan. In additional the other districts population was in tear 200 it was 6,471,089.
Firstly, in Manhattan population was in 3 different year The first was 76% total population of 100% in year 1800. The second was 54% total population of 100% in year 1900. The third was only 19% out of 100% of total population as percentage.
Lastly , in other districts population was in 3 different period The first was 24% total population of 100% in year 1800. The second was 46% total population of 100% in year 1900. The third was highest population was in last three years 81% out of 100% of total population as percentage.
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 attempts to address the task but fails to accurately report the data. The student misinterprets the tables, particularly regarding the population figures and the time periods. For instance, the claim that the lowest population was in 2000 is incorrect based on the provided data. Furthermore, the description of the 'other districts' is confusing and lacks a clear summary of the main trends. The response does not adequately compare the data between the districts or across the century-long timeframe, leading to a fragmented and inaccurate overview of the information provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inappropriate, such as 'In additional the other districts population was in tear 200'. Referencing is often unclear, making it difficult to track which data points are being discussed. While there is an attempt at an overall summary, the lack of clear links between the sentences and paragraphs hinders the flow of information.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are frequent errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'NEW YOURK CITY', 'tear' instead of 'year', and 'illustrate' instead of 'illustrates'. The student relies on basic phrasing to describe the data, which lacks the precision required for an Academic Task 1 response. There is no attempt to use less common vocabulary or varied collocations to describe trends or statistical changes, which restricts the score in this criterion.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a high frequency of grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues ('The given table illustrate'), missing articles, and awkward sentence structures. While there is an attempt to use complex ideas, the execution is consistently flawed, which occasionally impedes the reader's understanding. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and capitalisation. The range of structures is limited, and the errors are pervasive throughout the text.
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