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)
The table illustrate changes in the overall population of New York City from 1800 and 2000. Two tables that are left shows changes in the population of five districts (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island) over the same period.
Overall, New York City, In year 1800 to 2000 population increase drastically. Only Manhattan district population does rose much as compared to total of other four districts.
New York City shows in year 1800 population was 79,216 in all five districts in 1900 it rose like three times more between previous century. In 2000 the population peaked at 8,009,185.
In year 1800 population was 60,515 of Manhattan district. In next century it rose up to 54% in numbers 1,850,093 then in year 2000 it was recorded that the population did not increase much as compared to previous two centuries.
The Next table shows, other districts. Year 1800 population was 18,701 of all districts like 24% of total population. The next century population raised 46% and peaked 81% of total population.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main trends, such as the overall population growth and the contrast between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the analysis is hampered by significant inaccuracies in data interpretation. For instance, stating the population 'rose like three times more' is vague, and the calculation of percentages (e.g., '81% of total population') does not align clearly with the provided data. The overview is present but lacks precision. To improve, ensure that data points are accurately transcribed and that comparisons are supported by clear, correctly interpreted figures rather than generalized descriptions.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the flow between sentences is often mechanical and sometimes confusing. For example, the transition 'The Next table shows, other districts' is abrupt and lacks a smooth connection to the previous paragraph. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often repetitive or incorrectly applied. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track which data set is being discussed. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'rose', 'increase', and 'numbers'. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'The table illustrate' (subject-verb agreement) and 'rose up to 54% in numbers 1,850,093'. The use of 'raised' instead of 'rose' is a common error. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a wider range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'surged', 'fluctuated', or 'accounted for', and ensure that collocations are used correctly.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The table illustrate', 'district population does rose') and article usage. Sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. When complex structures are attempted, they often contain errors, such as 'In year 1800 to 2000 population increase drastically'. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically verb tenses and subject-verb agreement, before attempting more complex grammatical structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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