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 tables show data of changes in the total population of New York city from 1800 to 2000. The data is presented in three tables, one of them is representing the overall changes in the population of the New York city while other two are providing details of all five districts. Data for Manhattan district is given a separate table.
Overall, the increase in population is huge from 19th to 21st century. Moreover, the population of Manhattan remained the largest part of the total population throughout three centuries. While other four districts had low raise in population.
In the beginning of 19th century, the total population of New York was comprised of 79,216 people and 76% of the total was from Manhattan. Later in the 20th century, population rose to 3,437,202 but there was a decline in the population of Manhattan, it comprised only 54% of the total.
Furthermore, the population of Manhattan further decreased in the 2000 when it was just 19% of the total population. On the other hand, the population of other districts which was only 24% of the total population in the 1800 is now 81% of the overall population in 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| 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 shifting distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the analysis is somewhat limited. While you identify the trend of Manhattan's declining share, you miss the opportunity to compare the specific growth patterns of the other districts (e.g., the rapid rise of Brooklyn or Queens). The overview is present but could be more detailed regarding the specific timeframes provided in the tables. To reach a higher band, ensure you include more specific data points to support your observations and provide a more comprehensive comparison across all categories provided in the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'While', and 'Furthermore' helps to guide the reader through the information. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For instance, the phrase 'one of them is representing' is a bit clunky. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the supporting details. To improve, focus on varying your linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus that flows naturally into the next.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'comprised', 'decline', and 'overall population'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'low raise in population' is not standard English; 'modest increase' or 'slower growth' would be more appropriate. Additionally, 'huge' is a bit informal for an academic report. To achieve a higher score, aim for more precise academic vocabulary and ensure that your collocations are natural. Expanding your range to include more specific descriptors for trends would also be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The tables show data of changes' (should be 'data on changes'), 'one of them is representing' (should be 'represents'), and 'in the 2000' (should be 'in 2000'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. You have a good grasp of basic structures, but you should work on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Aim to proofread your work to catch these minor slips before finalizing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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