Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-17
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 given table predicts variations in population of new york city and its five districts during the period from [redacted phone].
Firstly overall population of all five districts was 79216 in 1800 and it increases gardually upto [redacted phone] in 1900 and it saw a dramatic increase in 2000 being raised upto [redacted phone].
As far as the districts of new york is concerned, manhattan was at the top with 76% of total population in 1800 while other four districts covered only 24% of the total. In 1900 manhattan population raised to [redacted phone] but ratio decreases as compared with ramaining four districts. The reverse happened in 2000 with decline in population of manhattan district and percentage dropped from 76% in 1800 to only 19% in 2000. the other fours saw an explasion in their population with overall percentage of 81% in 2000 and total numbers raised upto [redacted phone].
So the overall effect is the decrease in population in manhattan dsitrict and increase in other four districts of new york over the time period ranging from 1800 to 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| 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 trends and provides relevant data points from the tables. You successfully identified the overall growth of New York City and the shifting population distribution between Manhattan and the other four districts. However, the response lacks a clear overview paragraph, which is essential for a Band 7+ score. While you mention the 'overall effect' in the conclusion, an overview should ideally be placed immediately after the introduction to highlight the most significant trends. Additionally, some data points, such as the 1800 population figures, are presented without sufficient comparison or synthesis, making the report feel slightly like a list of statistics rather than an analytical summary.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. Transitions like 'Firstly' and 'As far as... is concerned' are used, but the flow between sentences could be smoother. The paragraphing is logical, but the internal structure of the paragraphs lacks sophisticated linking. For instance, the transition between the general population growth and the specific district breakdown is abrupt. To improve, try using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through the data.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main points, such as 'variations', 'dramatic increase', and 'decline'. However, there are several spelling errors ('gardually', 'explasion', 'dsitrict', 'ramaining') and some awkward phrasing, such as 'being raised upto'. These errors occasionally distract the reader. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary (e.g., 'fluctuated', 'surpassed', 'proportion') and ensure accurate spelling. The use of 'ratio' is also slightly imprecise in this context; 'proportion' or 'percentage' would be more appropriate when discussing population distribution.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that affect the quality of the writing. Issues include missing articles (e.g., 'in new york city'), incorrect verb tenses ('population raised' instead of 'rose'), and punctuation errors. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Additionally, ensure that you are using the correct verb forms for describing trends—for example, 'the population rose' rather than 'the population raised'.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.