Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
THE PRESENTED TABLE DATA ILUSTRATES THE INFORMATION OF THE POPULATION VARIATION IN NEW YORK CITY UNDER THE FIVE SUB CITIES SUCH AS MANHATTAN, BROOKLYN, BRONX, QUEENS, AND STATEN ISLAND. THE DATA SHOWED IN THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE DURING THE 1800 TO 2000 PERIOD OF TIME.
IN THE YEAR 1800, NEW YORK CITY POPULATION WAS AROUND 79,219 WHICH INCREASD IN 1900 AT 3,43,7202. MOREOVER, IN THE NEXT YEAR IT WAS DRASTICALLY ROSE UP TO 8,00,9185. WHICH WAS THE HIGHTES POPULATION NOTED IN THE YEAR 2000 AS COMPARED TO 1800 AND 1900.
IN ADDITION, MANHATTAN DISTRIC DEFINED THE CHANGES IN THE POPULATION RATIO. THERE WERE 60,515 POPULATION IN THE YEAR 1800, WHICH WAS 76% HIKE IN THIS YEAR. WHILE, IT WAS GRADUALLY DECREASED IN THE 1900 AT 54% AND AROUND 19% IN 2000. IN THE LAST YEAR IT WAS THE LOWEST NUMBER OF THE POPULATION NOTED.
HOWEVER, IN OTHERFOUR DISTRICT, 24% PRAPORTION SEEN IN THE YEAR 1800. WHEREAS, IT WAS CONTINOUSLY INCREASED IN 1900 AND 2000 APRROXIMATELY 46% AS WELL AS 81% RESPECTIVELY.
OVERALL, IT CAN BE CLEARLY SEEN THAT, NEW YORK CITY HOLDED HIGHEST POPULATION IN 2000 WITH FIVE DISTRICTS, WHILE THE LOWEST NUMBERS NOTED IN SAME YEAR IN MANHATTAN CITY. MOREOVER, OTHER FOUR DISTRICTS POPULATION CONTINOUSLY ROSE UP IN SAME YEAR.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the data, including the total population growth and the shifting proportions of the districts. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. The student correctly identifies the overall upward trend and the contrasting trends between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the data reporting is inconsistent; for example, the figures for 1900 and 2000 are written in a non-standard format (e.g., 3,43,7202), which makes the data difficult to interpret accurately. While the main trends are highlighted, the response lacks a more detailed comparison between the specific districts, relying on grouping them as 'other four districts' rather than providing a nuanced overview of their individual contributions.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the data. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'However', and 'Overall' are used to signal transitions between ideas. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the final paragraph where the reference to 'same year' is slightly ambiguous. The progression of ideas is generally logical, but the internal structure of the paragraphs could be improved to ensure a smoother flow of information between the data points presented.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are frequent spelling errors, such as 'ILUSTRATES', 'INCREASD', 'HIGHTES', 'DISTRIC', 'PRAPORTION', 'CONTINOUSLY', and 'APRROXIMATELY'. These errors are noticeable and detract from the overall quality of the writing. The student relies on basic descriptive terms like 'hike' and 'rose up' rather than more academic alternatives suitable for a report on statistical data. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of control over spelling and the limited range of vocabulary restrict the score in this criterion.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('NEW YORK CITY HOLDED'), incorrect verb forms ('DRASTICALLY ROSE UP'), and punctuation errors. The use of capital letters for the entire text is inappropriate and makes the response difficult to read. While the meaning is usually conveyed, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevents the response from reaching a higher band. The student should focus on basic sentence structure and proofreading for common grammatical slips.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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