Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-10
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 5.5)
The given tables illustrate the variations in the total population of New York City and its five different districts from 1800 to 2000. The first table shows the change in population size of New York City. It shows the population is significantly increase in both years. In 1900 the total number of people surge from 79,216 to 3,437,202. Also in 2000, the population experience a significant increase, rose from 3,437,202 to 8,009,185. The second table displays the total head count of Manhattan. The population of this district contained 76% of total city population in 1800, 54% in 1900 and 19% in 2000. Clearly is shows that its contribution in total population decreased over the time. However its entire population apparently rose from year 1800 to 2000. The third table shows the total number of citizens of four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queen and Staten Island). The input of these four districts in total population of whole city increases gradually from 24% to 815. Howe
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response is incomplete, as it cuts off mid-sentence at the end. While you have identified some main features, such as the overall population growth and the shifting percentage contributions of the districts, the analysis is not fully developed. You have failed to cover the data for all districts adequately, and the abrupt ending prevents a complete summary. To improve, ensure you provide a clear overview of the trends across all categories and complete your sentences. The data interpretation is generally accurate, but the lack of a concluding summary and the incomplete final paragraph significantly limit the achievement of the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the cohesion is often mechanical, relying on simple transitions like 'The first table' and 'The second table'. The abrupt ending ('Howe') disrupts the flow and leaves the final idea unfinished. To reach a higher band, use a wider variety of cohesive devices to link ideas more fluidly, such as 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' or 'Conversely,' and ensure that your paragraphing is consistent and that all thoughts are brought to a logical conclusion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have used some relevant vocabulary such as 'variations', 'significantly', and 'contribution'. However, there are errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'population is significantly increase' (should be 'significantly increased') and 'total head count' (which is slightly informal for this context). The phrase 'input of these four districts' is also imprecise. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensure that your word forms are correct. Expanding your range of synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' would also be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'the population is significantly increase' (tense error), 'population experience a significant increase' (subject-verb agreement), and 'Clearly is shows' (word order/syntax error). While you attempt some complex structures, they are often marred by these inaccuracies. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction, specifically ensuring that verbs are in the correct tense and that subjects and verbs agree. Proofreading for simple errors like 'is shows' instead of 'it shows' will help improve your accuracy significantly.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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