Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-08
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 first table illustrates shifts in the overall population of New York city between 1800 to 2000. While the second and third tables demonstrate transformation in populace of the five different districts of the city over the same period.
Overall, it can be seen that the by the end of the period the city's total number of population was increased dramatically comparing to beginning. Nevertheless the Manhattan overall population percentage was declined. In addition other districts such as Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island populace grew significantly.
To begin with, in 1800 the total numbers were around 79,216 which was recorded the smallest numbers. However it climbed in 1900 and 200 which were accounted 3,437,202 and 8,009,185 respectively. Moreover in manhattan the population was around 60,515 in 1800 which was
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. Furthermore, the response is incomplete, ending abruptly mid-sentence. While the introduction and overview attempt to identify main trends, the body paragraphs are underdeveloped and fail to provide a comprehensive summary of the data provided in the tables. Key comparisons between the districts are missing, and the analysis of the population shifts is fragmented. To improve, you must ensure all parts of the prompt are addressed, provide a complete analysis of the data, and meet the minimum length requirement to allow for full development of your ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response shows an attempt at logical organization with an introduction, overview, and body paragraph structure. However, the abrupt ending prevents a coherent conclusion or a fully developed argument. Cohesive devices such as 'While', 'Overall', and 'To begin with' are used, but the flow is disrupted by the incomplete nature of the text. Paragraphing is present, but the lack of sufficient content makes the progression of ideas feel disjointed. To improve, focus on completing your sentences and ensuring that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, providing a clear and logical progression of information throughout the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'illustrates', 'shifts', 'transformation', and 'significantly' being appropriate for an academic report. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'populace of the five different districts' (where 'population' would be more precise) and 'total number of population' (which is redundant). The range of vocabulary is limited, and the incomplete nature of the response restricts the opportunity to demonstrate a wider or more sophisticated lexical range. Focusing on precise terminology and avoiding redundant phrasing will help improve your score in this area.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that affect clarity. For instance, the first paragraph is a sentence fragment ('While the second and third tables...'). There are also issues with verb tense and subject-verb agreement, such as 'the city's total number of population was increased' and 'Manhattan overall population percentage was declined'. The use of passive voice is attempted but often results in awkward phrasing. While some simple structures are used correctly, the lack of complex sentence variety and the presence of frequent errors hinder the overall quality. Focusing on sentence structure and proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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