Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-11
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 total and district wiz changing in population of New York city between 1800 and 2000.
Overall, large figure of people recorded in 2000 as compared to other two centuries. In districts Manhattan consider a big district in first two decades in population ratio while, other districts Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island had large number of people in last decade of period.
To begin, in 1800 total 79,216 residents were living in New York and Manhattan was most famous place for accommodation 76 percent people lived there and other districts had only remaining 24 percent. In 1900 the city population rose up and reached to 3437,202 in this century Manhattan still favourite placed for people 54 percent people take shelter while, other all districts gathering were 46 percent. In last century total population figure became double as compare to previous decade 8,009,185 residents counted in New York city in which 6,471,089 took accommodations in other districts and Manhattan population hit a low as compare to other centuries 1,538,096 residents shelter in 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the data, such as the overall population growth and the shift in population distribution from Manhattan to the other districts. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. The student identifies the trends but fails to provide a more nuanced comparison between the specific growth rates of the districts over the two centuries. While the key information is present, the reporting of figures is occasionally imprecise or confusing, such as the phrasing '3437,202' and the description of population shifts. The overview is present but could be more clearly linked to the specific data points provided in the tables.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph. However, the flow of ideas is sometimes hindered by awkward phrasing and a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices. While some linking words like 'To begin' and 'Overall' are used, the transition between sentences is often mechanical. Referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when discussing the shift in population percentages between Manhattan and the other districts. The paragraphing is sufficient, but the internal structure of the sentences could be improved to ensure a smoother progression of information.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. There is a reliance on basic descriptors like 'big district' and 'famous place'. Some word choices are unnatural or inaccurate in this context, such as 'take shelter' or 'gathering were', which do not accurately describe population distribution. There are also issues with numerical formatting and collocation. To improve, the student should focus on using more academic terminology related to statistics and demographic trends, such as 'predominant', 'accounted for', or 'experienced a significant decline'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect article usage (e.g., 'in first two decades'), subject-verb agreement, and awkward sentence construction (e.g., 'Manhattan still favourite placed for people'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the placement of commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence structure, specifically the correct use of prepositions and verb tenses, would significantly improve the accuracy of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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