Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-16
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 three table shows change in total population of New York City, and five districts (Manhattan ,Brooklyn ,Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) from 1800 to 1200,
The population of New York City in 1800 was 79,216, 3,437,202 in 1900 and 8,009,185 in 2000. In 2008, population change was small (79,216) but in 2000, it become highest (8,009,185). The second and third table illustrate that population change of Manhattan and other four districts is also in percentage form. Population of Manhattan in 1800 was (60,515) 76%, become (1,850,093) 54% in 1900 and decreased to (1,538,096)19% in 2000. The population first increased and then decreased by 2000.
The table figures out that other four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) have same population change.
These districts have 18,701 population (24%) in 1800, 1,587,109 (46%) in 1900 and 6,471,089 (81%) in 2000.
The population increased by 2000. The tables cleared that population change of Manhattan decreased by 2000, but the population change of New York City and of other districts increased by 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response addresses the task by identifying the main trends in population growth. However, the analysis is hampered by significant factual errors, such as the reference to '1200' instead of '2000' and '2008' instead of '1800'. While the overall trend of Manhattan's decline and the other districts' growth is noted, the data presentation is inconsistent. The inclusion of raw numbers is helpful, but the interpretation of the percentages is sometimes confusing. To reach a higher band, ensure all data points are accurately transcribed and that the comparison between the total population and the district-specific trends is more clearly articulated.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by repetitive phrasing and awkward transitions. For instance, the phrase 'The table figures out that...' is not standard academic English. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often mechanical or misused, such as the repetitive use of 'The population increased by 2000' at the end of paragraphs. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the progression of the data. Improving the use of linking words and varying sentence structures would greatly enhance the coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'change', 'increased', and 'decreased'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'The table figures out' instead of 'The table illustrates' or 'indicates'. The student attempts to use some data-related terminology, but the lack of variety restricts the ability to convey the information with precision. To improve, the student should incorporate a wider range of synonyms for growth and decline and use more precise reporting verbs to describe the data trends.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('The three table shows'), article usage ('The second and third table'), and tense consistency. Sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around parentheses and commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for basic agreement and tense errors is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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