Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · 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 4.0)

New York City is generally divided into 5 districts 1) manhattan 2) queens 3) bronx 4) staten island 5) brooklyn . So, I am going to comparison: first of all new York City yearly changes population as year 1800 is about 79216 then 1900 is moderately high [redacted phone] and year 2000 is high with comparisonly then above 2 years . Then manhattan district is genuinely different from new York City population is low from new York City in Manhattan percentage of total population is also given as 1800 is 76% , 1900 is 54% and 2000 is 19% . This shows us properly about the population in these years .

AI examiner evaluation

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. Furthermore, the content is underdeveloped. While you mention the total population and Manhattan's percentage, you fail to report on the other four districts or provide a meaningful summary of the trends across the two centuries. The response lacks a clear overview and fails to make relevant comparisons between the districts, which is a core requirement of the task. To improve, you must ensure all data sets are addressed and provide a clear, analytical summary of the main features rather than just listing isolated figures.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0

The response lacks logical organization and paragraphing. The use of numbering for the districts is informal and inappropriate for an academic report. Cohesive devices are largely absent or misused, such as the phrase 'So, I am going to comparison', which is grammatically incorrect and does not serve as a logical transition. The progression of ideas is disjointed, making it difficult for the reader to follow the analysis of the data. To improve, use formal linking words (e.g., 'In contrast', 'Furthermore', 'Consequently') and structure your essay into clear paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific data trends.

Lexical Resource — Band 4.0

The vocabulary is very limited and repetitive. You rely on basic descriptors like 'high' and 'low' and struggle with word choice, such as 'comparisonly' (which is not a standard word) and 'genuinely different'. There is no attempt to use academic vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'accounted for'. The lack of variety in your word choice prevents you from conveying the information with precision. To improve, focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary related to data description and population statistics, and avoid informal conversational fillers.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that impede communication. Examples include 'as year 1800 is about 79216 then 1900 is moderately high', which lacks proper sentence structure and verb tense consistency. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the punctuation is inconsistent, particularly with the list of districts. Many sentences are fragmented or run-on. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring subject-verb agreement, and using appropriate prepositions and articles. Practice writing complete, grammatically correct sentences before attempting more complex structures.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.