Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
This table having given population data of New York from 1800 to 2000 It clearly presents that population is much controlled in 1800 with the number of 79216 rather than 1900 it jumps to 3,437,202 and than in just 100 years it becomes almost triple in numbers that is 8,009,185 The other table reveals the percentage district wise Manhattan is overpopulated In 1800 it covers 76% of population rate of country with the numbers of 60,515 as compared to other districts which is 24% of total in numbers its is 18701 In 1900 the other districts covers 46% with [redacted phone] behind from Manhattan with the amount of 262,984 only Than Manhattan population decreases with the passage of time In 2000 it covers only 19% of total population by the huge difference because other district cover 81% with 6,471,089 in numbers and Manhattan have 1,538,096 people are alive
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| 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 some main features, such as the overall population growth and the shift in distribution between Manhattan and other districts, the analysis is somewhat superficial. You have not fully utilised the data provided to make meaningful comparisons across all time periods. Furthermore, the lack of a clear structure and the failure to reach the minimum length mean that the task is only partially addressed. To improve, ensure you provide a clear overview, select key data points to support your summary, and meet the minimum word count to allow for full development of your ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response lacks paragraphing, which makes it difficult to follow the progression of ideas. There is an absence of clear cohesive devices to link sentences and clauses, leading to a disjointed flow. For example, the transition between the general population data and the district-specific data is abrupt. You rely on simple connectors like 'than' (used incorrectly for 'then') and 'in numbers', which are repetitive and do not effectively guide the reader through the information. To improve, use clear paragraph breaks to separate the overview from the detailed analysis and incorporate a wider range of linking words such as 'consequently', 'in contrast', or 'furthermore' to improve the logical flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and often imprecise. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'population is much controlled' and 'people are alive', which do not accurately describe demographic data. You also struggle with basic terminology, using 'country' when referring to the city's districts. The repetition of 'in numbers' and 'covers' indicates a restricted range of vocabulary. To improve, focus on using precise academic vocabulary related to data reporting, such as 'experienced a significant increase', 'accounted for', or 'the majority of the population'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help you describe the trends more effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There is a lack of punctuation, with many sentences running into each other, such as '1800 to 2000 It clearly presents'. You also have issues with verb tense consistency and subject-verb agreement, for example, 'Manhattan have 1,538,096 people'. The sentence structures are predominantly simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. To improve, focus on basic sentence punctuation, ensuring each sentence has a clear subject and verb. Practice using complex structures like relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions to add variety and improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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