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)

The table illustrates the changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000 adding with second and third table show changes in the population of the five districts of the city between 1800 and 2000.

In 1800, New York City experienced the lowest number of population 79,216 but after 10 years later in 1900 the population increased sharply which is 3,437,202 and in 2000, rise gradually 8,009,185.

Among the five districts Manhattan recorded 60,515 people in 1800 which is 76% of total population whereas in 1900 Manhattan reached 1,850,093. In 2000, Manhattan decreased gradually 19 of total population and the number is 1,538,096.

In the same years other districts percentages gradually increased which is 24% in 1800 and 46% in 1900 whereas 81% in 2000 which is sharply rised.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified some key data points, the analysis is incomplete. You have not adequately compared the trends across all five districts, focusing almost exclusively on Manhattan and a vague grouping of 'other districts'. To improve, you must ensure all parts of the prompt are addressed, including a clear overview of the main trends across the entire period for all categories. The current summary lacks the depth required for a higher band, as it misses the specific growth patterns of the other four boroughs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'in 1800', 'in 1900', and 'in 2000'. The transition between the total population data and the district-specific data is abrupt. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas, such as 'consequently', 'in contrast', or 'furthermore'. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, and avoid jumping between data points without a clear comparative structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'the population increased sharply' and 'decreased gradually' are used, but there is a lack of variety in describing trends. There are also errors in word choice and phrasing, such as 'adding with second and third table' and 'lowest number of population'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary for describing data, such as 'witnessed a significant surge', 'experienced a steady decline', or 'accounted for a substantial proportion'. Focus on using collocations more accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'after 10 years later in 1900', 'rise gradually 8,009,185', and 'sharply rised'. The sentence structures are relatively simple, and there is a lack of complex grammatical forms. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct preposition usage, and the accurate use of past and present perfect tenses when describing historical data. Ensure that your sentences are complete and grammatically sound by proofreading for basic errors in word order and tense consistency.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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