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 give tabe depicts the information about total population of New York City between 1800 and 2000 and the second and third tables give the information of population change in five different city in the same period. The database given in number and percentage
Overall, it is anticipated that all five districts has highest population compared to Manhattan and other districts.
To embark with, in 1800 the individual in NYC was 79,216 and in Manhattan the human being was 60,515 which is 76%. In 1900, the population in all five districts was around 3cr and in Manhattan the population was 1cr which the ratio of Manhattan is 54% . After 2 years, the population of NYC is 8cr which the highest then Manhattan. For othe districts( Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, stalen Island), in 1800, the population was 18,701 and the ratio was 24%. After 1 year ago the population increase upto 1cr and the percentage was 46%. In 2000, the population was around 6,471,089 which is highly increase in this year and the ratio was 81%
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to accurately report the data provided in the tables. There are significant factual errors, such as misinterpreting the population figures (e.g., claiming the population was '3cr' or '8cr', which is not supported by the data). The summary of the main features is unclear, and the comparisons are confusing and mathematically incorrect. The response does not clearly distinguish between the total population and the individual districts, leading to a failure to provide a coherent overview of the trends. To improve, you must carefully read the data labels and ensure that the numbers you report match the source material exactly.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and often misused, such as 'To embark with' and 'After 1 year ago'. The referencing is frequently unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow which data points are being discussed. The transition between the general population and the specific districts is abrupt and lacks the necessary structure to guide the reader through the data comparison. Improved paragraphing and more precise linking words are required to enhance the flow of information.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and often inaccurate. There is a reliance on basic terms, and the misuse of units (e.g., 'cr' for crore, which is not standard in this context) hinders clarity. Phrases like 'the human being was' are unnatural and inappropriate for a formal report. There is also evidence of spelling errors, such as 'tabe' and 'stalen'. To reach a higher band, you should focus on using precise terminology related to data description, such as 'increased significantly', 'accounted for', and 'proportion', while avoiding informal or non-standard abbreviations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'all five districts has'), incorrect tense usage, and awkward sentence structures. Many sentences are fragmented or lack the necessary complexity to demonstrate a range of grammatical structures. Punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that subjects and verbs agree, and using appropriate tenses when describing historical data. Reviewing basic grammar rules will help reduce the frequency of these errors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.