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 chart describes changes in population of New York City all five districts between 1800 to 2000 and the other two table aslo indicates the change population in different districts of city in the same time.
The population is dramatica uprise in New York City with high rates and in 2002 it was highly increasing almost 8,009,185 and the the same period the most of population was seen in other districts which was 81%.
In 1800, the population of New York City was 79,216 and that was high rates in district Manhattan it was 76% compared to other district there was only 24% population here. In 1900's year, we saw the rise the number of population with same pattern with districts the most popular was Mamhattan district with 54% and other side only 46% population here and total population number in city was 3,437,202.
Finally 2002's year, we saw a dramatic change the total number was 8,009,185 but the real change was there the percentage of other district were higher 81% as compared to Manhattan with 19% only.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| 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 features of the data, such as the overall population growth and the shift in distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the analysis is hampered by significant inaccuracies in data interpretation. For example, the text states the population in 2002 was 8,009,185, but the prompt provides data up to 2000. Furthermore, the description of the percentages is sometimes confusing or mathematically imprecise. While the main trends are identified, the lack of precision in reporting the figures and the inclusion of incorrect dates prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure that all data points are transcribed accurately from the provided tables and that comparisons are clearly linked to specific years.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the flow is often disrupted by awkward phrasing and a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices. Transitions between sentences are often mechanical or missing, making the progression of ideas feel disjointed. For instance, the transition 'Finally 2002's year' is unnatural. While the paragraphing is present, the internal cohesion within paragraphs is weak, and referencing is sometimes unclear. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') to connect ideas more fluidly and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive, with several instances of word-choice errors that impede clarity. Phrases like 'dramatica uprise' and 'highly increasing' are grammatically incorrect and unnatural. The student relies on basic descriptors and struggles to use precise terminology for describing trends (e.g., 'the most popular was Manhattan'). There is a lack of flexibility in expressing data, and the errors in word formation are frequent. To improve, focus on learning collocations for describing trends, such as 'experienced a significant increase' or 'accounted for a large proportion of the total'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that often make the meaning difficult to follow. There are issues with verb tenses ('describes', 'indicates', 'was seen'), subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack necessary articles and prepositions (e.g., 'in 1900's year, we saw the rise the number of population'). The range of structures is limited, and the attempt at complex sentences often results in errors that obscure the intended message. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically ensuring that subjects and verbs agree and that prepositions are used correctly with dates and percentages.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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