Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The first table illustrates changes in the whole population of the most popular city New York over the period 1800 to 2000, next two tables compared and demonstrate the population changes in the five remarkable districts of New York. Overall, it is clear that the population in New York increased over the given period.In the district of Manhattan the population decreased with the passage of time .And the other four districts shows different percentage.In New York the population in1800 we're 79,216 in number but in 2000 year due to the addition of public it achieved a peak level and reached to 8,009,185 . secondly the district of New York Manhattan had the 86 percent of population in 1800 but it's population decreased dramatically and reached to 19 percent in 2000. Finally, in the last the four districts of New York
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you attempt to identify the overall trend of population growth, the report is incomplete. You mention the total population and Manhattan's decline, but you fail to provide any data or analysis for the other four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island), leaving the task largely unfinished. To improve, ensure you cover all key features presented in the tables and provide a more comprehensive summary that includes data comparisons across all categories. The abrupt ending suggests the response was not fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay lacks a clear structure. While there is an attempt at an introduction and an overview, the body paragraphs are not properly developed or separated. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes awkward, such as 'In the last the four districts of New York', which leads to an incomplete sentence. The progression of ideas is hindered by the lack of data for the remaining districts. To improve, use clear paragraph breaks for each main feature and employ a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'furthermore', 'in contrast', 'consequently') to connect your observations logically.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and basic. Phrases like 'most popular city' (likely meant 'most populous') and 'addition of public' are imprecise and do not accurately convey the intended meaning. There is a lack of variety in reporting verbs and descriptive language. To achieve a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology related to data trends, such as 'surged', 'plummeted', 'proportion', and 'demographic shifts'. Avoid informal phrasing and ensure that your word choices are contextually appropriate for an academic report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'the other four districts shows' (subject-verb agreement error), 'in1800 we're 79,216' (incorrect verb usage and spacing), and 'in the last the four districts' (syntax error). The sentence structures are predominantly simple, with little evidence of complex sentence forms. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct tense usage for historical data, and proofreading for basic punctuation and spacing errors. Incorporating a mix of complex sentences will also help demonstrate a wider grammatical range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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