Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The table depicts the information of New York City from year 1800 to 2000. In the first table we can see that there is a huge difference from beginning to ending. At the very starting in the year 1800 the population was 79,216 which increases with time from year 1900 to 2000 and reached to 8,009,185.
There are more two tables which shows the changes in the percentage of population in various district of New York. Second table clearly clarify that large number of population is in Manhattan which rises from time to time. Moreover the third table given shows that initially the total population was 24% and it went to 81% in the last year, which is a very huge difference. Although we can also see that percentage of total population in Manhattan decreases from 76% to19%.
In a nutshell, Though the population in New York City rises from initial to end but Earlier most of the people resided in Manhattan and they moved to other districts with the time.
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 provides a basic overview of the data but fails to adequately report the main features. While you mention the overall population growth, the description of the district-level data is confusing and inaccurate. For instance, you state that the population in Manhattan 'rises from time to time,' yet the data shows a significant decline in its percentage share. Furthermore, the interpretation of the third table is unclear, and you have not effectively compared the districts or highlighted the most significant trends, such as the shift from Manhattan to the outer boroughs. To improve, focus on selecting key data points (e.g., the peak population of specific districts) rather than listing general observations.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression is weak. The transition between the first table and the subsequent tables is abrupt, and the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical (e.g., 'In a nutshell,' 'Moreover'). The referencing is also unclear; for example, it is not always obvious which table you are referring to when discussing percentages. To improve, use a wider range of linking words to connect ideas more fluidly and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, such as grouping the population growth in one paragraph and the district shifts in another.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'huge difference,' 'starting,' and 'time to time.' There is also a lack of precision in describing trends; for example, using 'clarify' instead of 'illustrates' or 'shows.' Some phrasing is unnatural, such as 'from year 1800 to 2000' (better: 'between 1800 and 2000'). To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'fluctuated,' 'accounted for,' 'proportion,' and 'significant decline.'
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with article usage ('in various district'), subject-verb agreement ('there are more two tables which shows'), and tense consistency. The sentence structures are predominantly simple, with few attempts at complex sentences. For example, 'At the very starting in the year 1800 the population was 79,216 which increases with time' contains awkward phrasing and tense confusion. To improve, focus on using a mix of simple and complex structures and ensure that your verb tenses are consistent when describing historical data.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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