Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-07
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 tabular represtation shows the alteration that were seen in the population of new york city between 1800 to 2000 however the second and third table illustrates changes in the population of of five distict cities in the same time zone .To begin with in the year of 1800 79.216 population were counted however in 1900 it increased to [redacted phone] in 2000 the poplulation was accounted for [redacted phone] further more in manhattan 60.515 popultaion was accounted for 76% in 1800, however ,in 1900 it inclined to 1.850,093 In 2001,583,0996 was listed which is only 19% of the total population moving to other five distict areas in 1800 18,701 population was which was only 24% of total population however in the 1900 and 2000 it seemed doubled TO sum up , the most population increased in 19000 tgo 2000 menwhile least population was accounted in 1800
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have attempted to report the main features of the population data, the analysis is incomplete and lacks a clear overview. You have included some specific data points, such as the total population in 1800 and 2000, but the comparison between the five districts is poorly developed and confusing. The data provided for Manhattan and the other districts is inaccurate or misquoted from the source tables. To improve, ensure you provide a clear summary of trends and accurately select key data points to support your comparisons, ensuring the response length meets the minimum requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response lacks effective paragraphing, appearing as a single block of text. Cohesive devices are used in a very mechanical and repetitive way, such as the overuse of 'however' and 'in the year of'. The logical progression of ideas is hindered by the lack of clear structure and poor sentence construction. Referencing is often unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the different time periods and districts. To improve, use clear paragraph breaks for the introduction, overview, and body paragraphs, and vary your linking words to create a smoother flow between sentences.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and contains several errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'represtation', 'distict', and 'poplulation'. You rely on basic vocabulary to describe the data, which restricts your ability to convey the information precisely. There is a lack of variety in the verbs used to describe trends; for example, 'inclined' is used incorrectly in this context. To achieve a higher score, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary to describe statistical changes, such as 'fluctuated', 'surged', or 'remained stable', and ensure you proofread for basic spelling errors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including issues with subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and sentence structure. Many sentences are run-on or fragmented, such as 'in 2001,583,0996 was listed which is only 19% of the total population moving to other five distict areas'. The use of numbers is also inconsistent and confusing. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the errors present often impede the reader's understanding of the data. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, correct punctuation, and ensuring that your verb tenses are consistent when describing historical data.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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