Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-20
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 data provided displays the fluctuation in the complete population of the New York City from 1800 to 2000. Further the graphs display the fluctuation of the population in the five districts of the city in the same time period that are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island.
The overall population rate of New York City from all of its districts from three consecutive years 1800 to 2000 increased on a very large scale. In 1800s, it had much less growth but eventually it grew drastically triple its size, and same happened the year after. Manhattan which is the major district of New York the total population rate also tripled in the first year but had a little downfall in the next 2000 year, whereas in the other four districts it grew to much great extent in the beginning year but was in normal range in the last year.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to accurately report the data provided in the tables. You have misinterpreted the years (e.g., referring to '1800s' and '2000 year' as if they were consecutive) and failed to include specific figures or trends from the tables. The description of Manhattan having a 'downfall' in 2000 is factually incorrect based on the provided data, which shows a significant increase. To achieve a higher band, you must select key data points (such as the total population in 1800 vs 2000) and compare them accurately rather than providing vague, inaccurate generalizations. The response lacks the necessary detail to fully satisfy the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into two paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The transition 'Further the graphs display' is somewhat mechanical, and the connection between ideas within the second paragraph is unclear. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes confusing, such as the phrase 'same happened the year after,' which does not clearly refer to the data. While there is a basic structure, the lack of clear, logical sequencing of information makes it difficult for the reader to follow the trends being described. Improved use of linking words and clearer paragraphing would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'fluctuation,' 'growth,' and 'increased.' There are inaccuracies in word choice, such as using 'complete population' instead of 'total population' and 'major district' instead of 'most populous district.' The phrase 'in normal range' is vague and does not accurately describe statistical data. To improve, you should aim to use more precise vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'surged,' 'plummeted,' 'remained stable,' or 'accounted for.' The current range is insufficient to convey the information with the required precision for an academic report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'the fluctuation in the complete population of the New York City' contains an unnecessary article, and 'from three consecutive years 1800 to 2000' is grammatically awkward. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the existing sentences are often poorly constructed. Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the overall control of grammar is inconsistent. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and incorporating a wider variety of complex sentence structures while ensuring they remain error-free.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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