Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-05
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 5.0)
The tubular chart depicts alternation in size of population in New York City from 1800 to 2000. While the other graph describe the changes in population of different district during the same period.
Overall, it can be mentioned that the size of population alters relatively from year to year. In 1800 it was 79,216 whereas it became 8,009,185 during 2000 that was a biggest number
To initiate with, During 1800 the number of population was just 79,216 it increased gradually in 1900 and became 3,437,202 number of people. The size of population followed a dramatic increased in number during 2000 that was 8,009,185.
Turning to next table The population size in Manhattan during 1800 is 76% and the decreased drastically to 19% in 2000. While the Number of peoples in other districts like Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island increased rapidly during mentioned period that was 24% in 1800 and 81% in 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the data, including the overall population growth and the shift in distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For instance, the description of the population growth is limited to listing figures rather than highlighting the trends effectively. Furthermore, the grouping of the four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) into a single category is a good analytical choice, but the explanation of the percentage shift lacks precision. To improve, ensure that comparisons are more explicit and that the data is synthesized rather than just reported sequentially.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'To initiate with' and 'Turning to next table' are awkward and do not flow naturally. Additionally, the referencing is sometimes unclear; for example, the transition between the total population data and the district-specific data is abrupt. The progression of ideas is present but could be smoother with more varied and precise linking words to connect the sentences and paragraphs more logically.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Words such as 'size of population' and 'number' are used frequently, which restricts the sophistication of the response. There are also errors in word choice, such as 'tubular chart' (likely meaning 'table') and 'alternation' (which implies a back-and-forth change rather than a trend). The phrase 'number of peoples' is grammatically incorrect. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise terminology related to data description, such as 'fluctuation,' 'proportion,' 'dramatic surge,' or 'significant decline,' and avoid repetitive phrasing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect verb tenses (e.g., 'the other graph describe'), missing articles, and awkward phrasing (e.g., 'that was a biggest number'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with capitalization and sentence boundaries. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors in basic grammar—such as subject-verb agreement and pluralization—prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence construction and proofreading for basic errors would be highly beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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