Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-06
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)
First table provide insights about the difference in the number of residents from 1800 to 2000. The other two tables demonstrates the resident's numbers in five areas of different cities over the same time period.
Overall, data regarding the total number of residents living in certain areas over the course of three years is provided in the first table. The other show the population of people explicitly in different cities, such as Manhattan.
It is clear that overall population of New York increased drastically over the course of three years. Starting from 79,216 people in 1800 to more than eight million in 2000 including all five districts.
The other tables have the information about the population in Manhattan, which has the most number of people living there in 1800. With a gradual decrease in the total population. The last table shows that the four cities make a small portion from the total percentage
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to accurately interpret the data provided. You incorrectly state the data covers 'three years' when it spans two centuries (1800–2000). Furthermore, you describe the five districts as 'different cities,' which is factually incorrect according to the prompt. While you identify the overall growth trend, the analysis of the specific tables is superficial and contains significant inaccuracies regarding the data. You have not effectively compared the districts or highlighted the key features of the population shifts over the 200-year period. To improve, ensure you carefully read the prompt and data labels to avoid misrepresenting the information.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The introduction and overview are repetitive, essentially stating the same information twice. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall' and 'It is clear that,' but they are sometimes used mechanically or to introduce inaccurate information. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when referring to 'the other tables' without specifying which ones. The flow between sentences is disjointed, making it difficult for the reader to follow the development of the data analysis. Improving the logical connection between the overview and the body paragraphs is essential.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'number of people' and 'tables.' There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'make a small portion from the total percentage,' which is unnatural. You attempt to use some descriptive language like 'drastically,' but the overall range is insufficient to convey the data with precision. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more varied vocabulary related to trends and statistics, such as 'significant surge,' 'proportion,' or 'demographic shift,' and ensure that terms are used in the correct context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Subject-verb agreement is inconsistent, such as 'First table provide' (should be 'provides') and 'The other two tables demonstrates' (should be 'demonstrate'). You also have issues with articles and prepositions, such as 'most number of people' instead of 'largest number of people.' While you attempt some complex sentence structures, they are often marred by errors. To improve, focus on basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Proofreading for these common errors will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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