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 tables illustrate population change in New York City while the second and the third table show five districts- Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, State Island change in population between 1800 to 2000, with figures given as percentage and number.
Overall, New Work City population increased over the time. Meanwhile, others city saw an incline in population except Manhattan after 19s. However, other districts percentage of population increased dramatically.
In 1800, New York City population was approximately 80 thousand and this increased at 80 million in 2000. However, in the same year Manhattan had 76% of total population but in the next century population declined to 54% and this trend continued in 2000 at 19% only.
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 meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have attempted to identify some main features, the analysis is incomplete. You have not covered all the data provided in the tables, particularly the specific population figures for the other four districts. The summary of the total population is also inaccurate (stating 80 million instead of 8 million), which indicates a failure to interpret the data correctly. To improve, ensure you cover all parts of the prompt, provide accurate data extraction, and expand your analysis to meet the length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into three short paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is disjointed. While you use some cohesive devices like 'Overall' and 'However', the logical flow is hindered by the lack of sufficient detail and the brevity of the response. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the paragraphing does not effectively separate the overview from the specific data analysis. To improve, use a wider range of linking words to connect your sentences and ensure each paragraph has a clear, distinct focus.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms such as 'increased' and 'declined'. There are also errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'New Work City' instead of 'New York City' and '19s' which is unclear. The vocabulary used is sufficient for basic communication but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band score. You should aim to incorporate more specific reporting verbs and nouns related to data trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'surged', or 'proportion'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'the second and the third table show' (missing pluralization), 'State Island' (incorrect name), and 'this increased at 80 million' (incorrect preposition). Punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions when describing data trends. Proofreading for basic errors like spelling and article usage would also be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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