Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-02

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)

In this chart it shows the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000. In the different five districts of city ( Manhattan , Brooklyn , Bronx , Queens , Staten Island )

In the year 1800 total population 79,216 are living in New York out of 76% (60,515) population in Manhattan and remaining 24% (18,701) people living in other districts.

In the year 1900 total population is 3,437,202 out of 54% (1,850,093) are living in Manhattan and remaining 46% (1,587,109) population in other districts

In the year 2000 total population is 8,009,185 out of 19% (1,538,096) are living in Manhattan and remaining 81% (6,471,089) are in other districts

overview, total population of New York is increase year by year . In the year 1800 highest population are living in Manhattan and least in other district and oposit in yea

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main trends—the overall population growth and the shift in population distribution from Manhattan to the other districts—the analysis is incomplete. The overview is fragmented and cut off mid-sentence, and you have not fully synthesized the data provided in the tables. To improve, ensure you provide a complete overview, include all necessary data points without just listing them, and ensure the response meets the minimum length requirement to allow for a full development of the main features.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is minimal and repetitive, relying heavily on simple sentence structures to list data. The final paragraph is incomplete, which disrupts the flow of the essay. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') to connect your ideas more fluidly. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and that your overview is fully developed rather than trailing off.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive, often relying on the same phrases ('total population', 'living in'). There are also issues with word choice and spelling, such as 'oposit' and 'yea'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands. To improve, try to incorporate more precise terminology related to data description, such as 'experienced a significant increase', 'the proportion shifted', or 'the majority of residents'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help make your writing more engaging and accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The grammar is characterized by frequent errors in sentence structure, article usage, and verb tense. For example, 'In this chart it shows' is redundant, and 'total population 79,216 are living' is grammatically incorrect. The response lacks complex sentence structures, relying almost exclusively on simple, repetitive patterns. The incomplete final sentence also indicates a lack of control over sentence construction. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence structures before attempting more complex ones, and pay close attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions.

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