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 given three table depicts about increase in population in New York City over two century, from the year 1800 to 2000.
Overall, the data shows that population of New York City including all five districts have rose to ten times in the year 2000 compare to year 1800.
The second table shows the data of population of Manhattan district in New York City for 2 centuries and also percentage wise data which makes up to total population of New York. In year 1800 Manhattan total population was roughly about 18,701, which sum upto 76 % of total New York Population .
The number rose to 1.85 million people in year 1900 which was half the population of New York City. However in the year 2000 population of Manhattan dropped to 1.5 million people which covered only 19% of total population.
Same way the third table shows the population data of other 4 district which includes Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx . In year 1800 these district had 18000 people which was 24% of total population .And number rose to 1.5 million people in year 2000 which sums up to 46% of total population . In year 2000 number of population sky-rocketed to 6.4 million which covered 81% of total population of New York City.
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 covers the main features of the data, but there are significant inaccuracies in the interpretation of the figures. For example, you state the population of Manhattan in 1800 was 18,701, but the table indicates 60,515. Furthermore, the summary of the 'other 4 districts' contains confusing data points, such as claiming the population was 18,000 in 1800, which contradicts the provided table. While you attempt to highlight trends, the misreading of the data prevents a clear and accurate overview. To improve, ensure you carefully cross-reference the figures in the tables before writing.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive, such as the repeated use of 'In year 1800' and 'In year 2000'. The transition between the general overview and the specific district data is functional but lacks sophistication. The logical progression is hindered by the factual inaccuracies mentioned in the task achievement section, which makes the comparison between the districts difficult to follow. Improving the variety of linking words would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it is somewhat limited and repetitive. You use basic phrases like 'The given three table depicts' and 'The number rose to'. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'percentage wise data' and 'sum upto'. While the meaning is generally clear, there is a lack of more precise, academic vocabulary that would demonstrate a higher level of control. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied reporting verbs and precise terminology related to statistical trends.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('The given three table depicts', 'these district had') and incorrect verb forms ('have rose'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas and periods. While you attempt some complex sentence structures, they are often marred by these errors. The majority of the sentences are simple, and the lack of control over basic grammar limits the clarity of the report. Focusing on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and tense consistency would significantly improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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