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 first table illustrate the changes in population of New York city from 1800 to 2000.While the others two tables demonstrate the changes in population of it five districts of the five cities over the same duration .
Overall, the total number of population of New York city is increased, the population of the district Manhattan decline over the time, but other 4 district's population increases by the time.
Come to the total number of population of New York from year1800 that was 79,216 increases gradually in 19'sthat is 3,437,202 and peaked to 8,[redacted phone].
Now take a look to its districts separately, the population of Manhattan grew by the time from 1800 to 2000 starts from 76% and decline to the 19%.if we talk in figures it started from 60,515 and decline to 15,[redacted phone].
And in another 4 districts the population increases by the time by percentage it starts from 24% and grew up to 81%.By figure it is 18,701 and peaked to 6,471,089.
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 covers the main trends, such as the overall population growth and the shift in district proportions. However, the data reporting is inaccurate and confusing. For instance, you state Manhattan's population declined to '15,538,096', which is a misreading of the table and logically inconsistent with the total population figures provided. Furthermore, the distinction between the tables is not clearly articulated, and the summary of the five districts is oversimplified. To improve, ensure that data points are transcribed accurately and that you clearly distinguish between the total population trends and the specific district shifts. The overview is present but lacks the necessary precision to fully satisfy the requirements of a Band 6 or higher.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hampered by awkward transitions and repetitive phrasing. Phrases like 'Come to the total number' and 'Now take a look to its districts' are informal and do not function effectively as cohesive devices. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the 'other 4 districts' as a single group. While there is a basic structure, the lack of sophisticated linking words and the mechanical nature of the transitions limit the clarity of the progression. Using a wider range of cohesive devices, such as 'consequently,' 'in contrast,' or 'subsequently,' would improve the flow significantly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic verbs like 'increases' and 'grew'. There are also issues with word formation and collocation, such as '19'sthat' and 'decline to the 19%'. The use of 'by figure' is not standard academic English. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of variety and the presence of errors in word choice prevent the response from reaching a higher band. To improve, focus on using more precise reporting verbs (e.g., 'surged,' 'plummeted,' 'remained stable') and ensure that percentages and figures are introduced with appropriate academic phrasing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede readability. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The first table illustrate'), article usage, and punctuation (e.g., '19'sthat'). Sentence structures are mostly simple or contain errors when attempting complexity. For example, 'if we talk in figures it started from 60,515 and decline to 15,538096' contains a tense error ('decline' should be 'declined') and a punctuation error. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring consistent verb tenses when describing historical data, and proofreading for common errors like missing articles and incorrect pluralisation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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