Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-01

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)

These tables compares the proportion of population of New York city and its districts ranging from 1800 to 2000.

Overall there's a significant increase in all the five districts collectively. Meanwhile, If you see in the past there were very little amount of individuals living there. People become more aware as the time passes.

In the first table, the population surged to 8,009,185, means by comparing all these areas they showed an upward trend.

Later it focuses on specifically one area of district, which is Manhattan, in 1800 the rate of population rose sharply approximately 76%, but with the passage of time it dropped significantly to only 19%.

In the ending table, it makes comparison on the other four areas including Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island. Overall these remain dominant as compared to other belongings. In 1800, the population fluctuate slightly from 24% to 46%, but in 2000 its peaked at by showing 81% increase.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response attempts to summarize the data but fails to clearly identify the main trends. The description of the data is often inaccurate; for example, the claim that Manhattan's population rose by 76% in 1800 is a misinterpretation of the table, which shows a percentage share of the total population rather than a growth rate. Furthermore, the analysis of the second table is confusing, as it incorrectly describes the combined population of the other four districts as having 'peaked at 81% increase'. The response lacks a clear overview and fails to make meaningful comparisons between the districts, which is essential for Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is weak. The use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused, such as 'Meanwhile, If you see in the past' and 'In the ending table'. The transition between the general population data and the district-specific data is abrupt. Additionally, the referencing is unclear; it is often difficult to determine which specific data point the writer is referring to, which hinders the reader's ability to follow the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The range of vocabulary is limited and sometimes inappropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'very little amount of individuals' and 'other belongings' are imprecise or incorrect in this context. There is a reliance on basic vocabulary, and the attempt to use more complex terms leads to inaccuracies, such as using 'fluctuate' to describe a static percentage share. To improve, the student should focus on using precise terminology related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'accounted for', and 'experienced a decline'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Subject-verb agreement issues are common, such as 'These tables compares' and 'population fluctuate'. There are also issues with sentence structure, including run-on sentences and awkward phrasing like 'means by comparing all these areas they showed an upward trend'. While the student attempts some complex structures, they are often faulty. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and capitalization.

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