Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-09

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)

These three charts illustrated the population of the New York city that since 1800 to 2000. In the first one, it figure out the population of all over the city while in other two tables it has scaled percentage of five specific cities (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) during the same period.

Overall, New York city population rate gradually increased over the year. At the same time, the new York four district population proportion has raised upward expect one district that is Manhattan.

Initially, in the first table population was dramatically increased over the year. Such as, in 1800 this counted figure was 79,216 while in next one durable increased is 3,437,202.

In about 2000, this city population reached to peak like 8,009,185.

On the other side, a district Manhattan population slightly decreased whereas percentage and figures mentioned. In 1800 it was 60,515 that percentage was 76% but in next year it is rapidly plunged.

At the end of the year in 2000, it is constantly hit the low rate of percentage like 19%.

In contrast, the other districts population steadily escalated like goes up from 24% to 81% in all over the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the data, such as the overall population growth and the contrasting trends between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the analysis is hampered by significant inaccuracies in reporting the data. For example, stating that the population in 1800 was 79,216 and then 'durable increased' to 3,437,202 in the 'next one' is confusing and misrepresents the timeline provided in the table. Furthermore, the description of the percentage shifts is vague and lacks precise reference to the data points provided. To improve, ensure that figures are cited accurately and that the relationship between the total population and the district-specific proportions is clearly explained.

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 often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'In about 2000' and 'At the end of the year in 2000'. The transition between the general population trends and the specific district data is abrupt. While there is an attempt to use linking words like 'In contrast' and 'On the other side', the logical flow is frequently interrupted by awkward phrasing and unclear referencing, making the progression of ideas feel disjointed at times.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive. There are several instances of word-choice errors that impede clarity, such as 'durable increased' instead of 'a substantial increase' and 'constantly hit the low rate' instead of 'reached its lowest point'. The phrasing 'it figure out' and 'scaled percentage' is unnatural and does not demonstrate the precision required for an Academic Task 1 report. To reach a higher band, you should focus on using more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'remained stable', and avoid literal translations of non-standard phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally cause difficulty for the reader. Issues include incorrect verb tenses ('These three charts illustrated' instead of 'illustrate'), subject-verb agreement ('the new York four district population proportion has raised'), and awkward sentence structures ('in 1800 this counted figure was 79,216 while in next one durable increased is 3,437,202'). There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the errors in basic grammar are persistent throughout the text. Focusing on sentence construction and ensuring correct tense usage for describing historical data is essential.

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