Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The rendered table illustrates the changes in the total population of New York city from 1800 to 2000 . The data has been calibrated in thousands and lakhs
Overall it is apparent that, population of other district is maximum in 2000 whereas it is minimum in Manhattan in 1800
Turning to details in Manhattan , the figures of population in 2000 was maximum at 1,538,096 followed by in 1900 at 1,850,093. The discrepancy of 1,789,578 is witnessed between population of Manhattan in 1900 and 1800. Moreover, the population of Manhattan in 1800 was 60,515
Moving further, the number of people in other districts was 18,701 in 1800. The collective figures of people living in others districts in 1800 and 1900 was 6,489,790 . Apart from this the population of other districts in 1900 was 1,568,408 more than that of in 1800. The population of people living in other districts in 1900 and 2000 was 1,587,109 and 6,471,089 respectively,
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to summarize the data but fails to provide a clear, accurate overview of the main trends. The information is presented in a fragmented manner, and the calculations provided (e.g., the 'discrepancy' or 'collective figures') are confusing and do not accurately reflect the key features of the tables. The response focuses on isolated, specific data points rather than identifying the overall growth patterns across the two centuries. Furthermore, the reference to 'lakhs' is incorrect as the data is presented in thousands, showing a misunderstanding of the provided information. The report lacks a cohesive summary of the significant population shifts across the five districts.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. While some cohesive devices are used, such as 'Turning to details' and 'Moving further', they are used mechanically and do not effectively link the ideas. The referencing is often unclear, particularly when discussing 'other districts', which makes it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the specific boroughs and the total population. The flow of information is disjointed, and the lack of clear signposting between the tables makes the report difficult to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are errors in word choice and terminology, such as the misuse of 'calibrated' and the incorrect reference to 'lakhs'. The phrasing is often awkward, such as 'the figures of population in 2000 was maximum', which indicates a lack of control over collocations. While the student attempts to use some academic vocabulary, the inaccuracies in reporting the data and the limited range of synonyms prevent the response from reaching a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Subject-verb agreement is inconsistent, for example, 'population of other district is maximum' and 'the figures of population... was maximum'. Punctuation is also problematic, with inconsistent spacing before commas and periods. These errors, while not always impeding communication, are frequent enough to distract the reader and demonstrate a lack of control over complex structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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