Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
In this three tables below given information total population increases in first table New York city population from 1800 to 2000. Same second and third table changes the information of population five districts of the city Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten island in the same period.
Firstly we talk about New York city in the year 1800 lowest population is 79,216 and the next year in the 1900 improved double population is 3,437, 202 and the last year 2000 is increased 70percent of population 8,009,185 is the highest of in given two tables population
Secondly we talk about Manhattan in the first year 1800 is 60,515 is the lowest population in the city next 1900 is high population is 1,850,093 is the 54percent of total population and last 2000 is 1,538,096 is the decreased population.
On the other districts is Brooklyn, Bronx, queens, Staten island is in 1800 is least population is 18,701 and in 1900 is mid range improved 1,587,109 and last 2000 is highest of the this districts is 6,471,089 is increased 80percent of population this is the information given in this tables
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to summarise the data but fails to provide a clear overview or highlight the most significant trends. The information is presented in a fragmented way, and the calculations (e.g., '70percent of population') are inaccurate based on the provided data. The response lacks a coherent summary of the main features, such as the overall growth trend or the shift in population distribution between the districts. While all parts of the task are addressed, the lack of analytical depth and the inclusion of incorrect data points limit the score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'firstly', 'secondly', and 'lastly'. Referencing is often unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the different tables. The sentences are often run-on or lack proper punctuation, which disrupts the flow of information. There is no clear transition between the general city population and the specific district data.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Basic terms like 'improved', 'increased', and 'highest' are used repeatedly without variation. There are significant issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'improved double population' and 'mid range improved'. The student struggles to use precise terminology to describe statistical trends or data points. The lack of variety in vocabulary prevents the response from achieving a higher band score, as the language remains at a very basic level throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the simple sentences used often contain errors in subject-verb agreement and article usage (e.g., 'In this three tables below given information'). Punctuation is inconsistent, with missing commas and periods, which makes the text difficult to parse. The misuse of prepositions and the lack of proper sentence boundaries are persistent issues throughout the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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