Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-18

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)

In the table that is present lower reveal difference in the population of new York city between 1800 to 2000.The table number 2 and 3 exhibit the variation of five districts of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) in same span.

In the first table we see population increasing very fastly.

In the second table we Manhattan city population only that are increasing first and then decreasing as compared to total population.

In the third table we see other four districts in which population increasing in gradual manner.

In the first table we see the population of all five districts of new York city. In 1800 the population was 79,216 that is increasing to 3,437,202 in 1900 there is 4239.02% increasing in population and from 1900 to 2000 total 133.01% increase in population.

In the second table tell us about Manhattan district where in 1800 the population was 60,515 and the 76% of total population.

In 1900 the population was ,850,093 that is 54% of total population and in 2000 1,538,096 that is 19% of total population. In this table we see the percentage of population decline gradually as we move from 1800 to 2000.

In third table we see the four districts in which population increasing gradually from 1800 to 2000 by percentage 24% in 1800 of population 18,701, 46% in 1900 of population 1,587,109 and 81% in 2000 of population 6,471,089.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the data, including the total population growth and the shifting proportions of the districts. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, relying heavily on listing figures rather than synthesizing trends. The description of Manhattan's population as 'only that are increasing first and then decreasing' is inaccurate based on the provided data, which shows a consistent increase in absolute numbers. The overview is weak, and the comparison between the districts could be more effectively integrated. To improve, focus on identifying the most significant trends—such as the rapid growth of the outer boroughs compared to the relative decline in Manhattan's percentage share—rather than simply transcribing data points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by repetitive sentence structures and a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices. Phrases like 'In the first table', 'In the second table', and 'In third table' are used mechanically to start almost every paragraph, which makes the writing feel disjointed. While the information is grouped by table, the connections between the data points are often weak. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases (e.g., 'In contrast', 'Furthermore', 'Conversely') to guide the reader through the comparison of the districts more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive. The student relies on basic verbs like 'increasing' and 'see' throughout the response. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'increasing very fastly' (which is grammatically incorrect; 'fastly' is not a word) and 'in same span'. The use of 'exhibit the variation' is a good attempt at academic register, but it is not fully supported by the rest of the text. To reach a higher band, incorporate more precise vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'surged', 'fluctuated', 'accounted for', or 'a significant proportion'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with article usage ('the Manhattan city', 'the other four districts'), subject-verb agreement, and sentence construction (e.g., 'In the table that is present lower reveal difference'). The use of complex sentences is limited, and many sentences are simple or contain structural errors. For example, 'In 1900 the population was ,850,093' contains a punctuation error. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction, ensuring that subjects and verbs agree, and practice using a wider variety of complex structures, such as relative clauses or participial phrases, while ensuring they are punctuated correctly.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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