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)
The table provides the data on the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000. Moreover the second and third table display changes in residents of five districts of the cities
In the first table the population increased dramatically. In 1800 the population was about 79,216. After that the number of residents increased in the year of 1900 and become 3,437,202 and Inthe final year 2000 the population is becomes more higher and it reach on 8,008,185.
The second paragraph shows the population of Manhattan as compared to other four districts. Overall the population in these years rose sharply but in the end fell slightly. For instance , in 1800 the persbtage is 76per meanwhile in the year 1900 the percentage dropped by 54%. In the year of 2000the population declined considerably.
In the final table the data shows that overall the population is increased throughout the year . In the year 1800 the population is 24% after that in 1900 the amount of residents increased and reached to 46% in the final year 2000 the population reach to 81%.
In conclusion overall in the New York city the population increased dramatically. But in city of Manhattan the population decreased dramatically
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main trends but lacks precision in reporting data. While the total population trend is identified, the description of the districts is confusing. You mention Manhattan's percentage dropping from 76% to 54%, but the final sentence states the population 'decreased dramatically,' which is ambiguous—are you referring to the percentage share or the absolute number? The data for the other four districts is grouped together as a single percentage, which is a misinterpretation of the table structure. To improve, ensure you clearly distinguish between absolute population figures and percentage shares, and provide more accurate comparisons between the specific districts.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by repetitive phrasing and weak cohesive devices. Transitions like 'After that' and 'In the final year' are used mechanically. The referencing is sometimes unclear; for example, in the third paragraph, you refer to 'the final table' and 'the data,' but it is not immediately obvious which data set you are describing. The conclusion is very brief and does not effectively synthesise the information presented in the body paragraphs. Using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would improve the overall structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. You frequently use basic verbs like 'increased,' 'decreased,' and 'reached.' There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'become 3,437,202' (should be 'reached 3,437,202') and 'more higher' (which is grammatically incorrect). The term 'persbtage' is a spelling error. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to data description, such as 'surged,' 'plummeted,' 'proportion,' and 'fluctuated,' and ensure that you use these words in the correct context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'the second and third table' (should be plural 'tables'), 'the population is becomes more higher' (incorrect verb tense and comparative structure), and 'in the year of 2000the' (missing space). The sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. You need to focus on subject-verb agreement, correct tense usage for historical data (past simple), and proper punctuation. Reducing these frequent errors is essential for moving into the 6.0 band range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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