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 TABLE PROVIDES DATA ON TOTAL POPULATION OF NEW YORK CITY AS WELL AS THE PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION CHANGES IN MANHATTAN AND OTHER DISTRICTS BY DECADEES.
THE FIRST TABLE REPRESTNTS OVERALL POPULAATION OF ALL FIVE DISTRICTS IN THE YEAR OF 1800, 1900 AND 2000 WERE 79,216, 3,437,202 AND 8,009,185 REPESTIVILY.
IN SECOND AND THIRD TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPULATION BETWEEN MANHATTAN AND OTHER DISTRICTS.IN 1800 MANHATTAN HAD 76% OF POPULATION WHRER AS IN OTHER HAD ONLY 24% OF POPULATUON.MOREOVER, PEOPLE LIVED IN MANHATTAN WAS QUIET GREATER THAN PEOPLE LIVED IN OTHER DISTICTS IN THE YEAR OF 1900. IN ADDITION, SENARIO WAS COMPELETY CHANGED IN 2000. TOTAL PERCENTAGE IN MANHATTAN ALMOST 20% WAS ONE FORTH OF THE TOTAL PERCENTAGE OF OTHER DISTRICTS.
TO CONCLUDE, IT IS CLEAR FROM THE TABLE THAT TOAL POPULATION WAS INCREASED IN EVERY DECADE. BUT PEOPLE PREFERED OTHER DISTRICTS RATHER THAN MANHATTAN.
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 meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main trends—the overall population increase and the shift in distribution from Manhattan to other districts—the analysis is quite superficial. You have not fully utilized the data provided for the five individual districts, and the explanation of the percentage changes is somewhat confusing. To improve, ensure you provide a more detailed breakdown of the data and meet the minimum length requirement to allow for a more comprehensive summary of the information presented in the tables.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression of ideas is hindered by the lack of effective cohesive devices. Phrases like 'In addition' and 'To conclude' are used, but the internal flow within paragraphs is often disjointed. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly in the third paragraph where the comparison between Manhattan and other districts is difficult to follow. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each sentence flows naturally into the next will significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive, with several spelling errors such as 'REPRESTNTS', 'POPULAATION', 'REPESTIVILY', 'WHRER', 'SENARIO', and 'COMPELETY'. These errors, combined with the use of basic vocabulary like 'quiet greater' (likely meant 'quite' or 'significantly') and 'one forth' (one-fourth), indicate a restricted range. To reach a higher band, you should focus on accurate spelling and expanding your range of vocabulary to include more precise terms for describing trends, such as 'proportion', 'distribution', 'significant growth', or 'dramatic shift'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('people lived in Manhattan was quiet greater') and incorrect sentence structures ('In second and third table illustrates'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing spaces after periods and incorrect capitalization. While you attempt to use some complex ideas, the frequent errors in basic grammar and sentence construction impede the clarity of your message. Focusing on sentence structure, correct verb forms, and proofreading for basic errors will help improve your score in this area.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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