Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-12
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 rendered hybrid chart shows the alterations occurred in the population of New York City in the first whereas the second shows the population of 5 different districts of the city in the time period of 1800 to 2000.
Overall, it was apparent that the maximum population was in the 2000 of the New York City.
Turning to the details, in the year 1800 the population was 79,216 in the New York and 76% of it was by Manhattan and rest by the other districts. Coming to the year 1900, the population significantly rose to 34,437,202 out of which Manhattan was more by about 300,000 by rest of the districts which had a population.
Moving further, the population of other districts in the year 1900 was 1,587,109. In the year 2000 the population had a vast change between Manhattan and other districts, the total population of new york was 8,00
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 adequately address the task. While it attempts to summarize the data, the information provided is factually incorrect based on the provided tables (e.g., the population figures for 1900 and 2000 are inaccurate or incomplete). The response stops abruptly mid-sentence, leaving the analysis of the final data point unfinished. Key trends, such as the significant growth in Queens or the decline in Manhattan's relative share, are not highlighted. The overview is too simplistic and does not capture the main features of the data effectively. To improve, ensure all data points are transcribed accurately and provide a complete, balanced summary of the trends across all districts.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay lacks a clear logical progression. While there is an attempt at paragraphing, the transition between the overview and the body details is disjointed. Cohesive devices are used in a mechanical and sometimes confusing manner, such as 'Coming to the year 1900' and 'Moving further'. The referencing is often unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between Manhattan and the other districts. The abrupt ending significantly disrupts the flow and coherence of the response. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus would enhance the overall structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, which restricts the ability to convey information precisely. Phrases like 'vast change' and 'significantly rose' are used, but the lack of accurate data makes the lexical choices ineffective. There are issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'the alterations occurred in the population' and '76% of it was by Manhattan'. The vocabulary is sufficient for basic communication but lacks the range and precision required for an academic task. To improve, focus on using more varied and precise terminology to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'surpassed', or 'accounted for'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede meaning. Examples include 'the maximum population was in the 2000 of the New York City' and 'Manhattan was more by about 300,000 by rest of the districts'. Sentence structures are generally simple and often awkward. There are errors in article usage, prepositional phrases, and sentence construction. While some basic structures are used correctly, the lack of control over complex sentences and the presence of persistent errors in basic grammar limit the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct sentence formation will help improve accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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