Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The first table illustrates the changes in the total population of New York city from 1800 to 2000 while the second and third table shows the changes in the population of the five districts of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period.
Overall, it is clear that according to the first table the New York city and all of its five districts population gradually increased over the period. In 1800 it was the lowest population and in 2000 it was the highest population. According to the second and third paragraph in Manhattan city the percentage of population decreased over the period. In 1800 population was 76 percent, in 1900 the population was 54 percent and in 2000 the population was 19 percent. The other four districts the population was increased over the period. In 1800 it was 24 percent, in 1900 it was 46 percent and in 2000 it was 81 percent.
In summary, the population was rise and fall in New York city and its all four districts between the period of 1800 to 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
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 somewhat superficial. The summary provided in the final paragraph is inaccurate, as it claims the population 'was rise and fall', which contradicts the data showing a consistent upward trend in total population. Furthermore, the report lacks a clear comparison between the specific figures provided in the tables, relying instead on simple listing of percentages. To improve, you should focus on identifying key trends and grouping data more effectively rather than just listing numbers.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite mechanical and repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'In 1800', 'In 1900', and 'In 2000' to start sentences. The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is functional but lacks sophistication. The final summary paragraph is confusing because it contradicts the information presented in the body, which disrupts the logical flow of the argument. Using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that your conclusion accurately reflects the data would improve the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. You frequently use the word 'population' and 'increased' without variation. There are also some minor errors in word choice, such as referring to the tables as 'paragraphs' in the second body paragraph. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a more varied range of vocabulary, including synonyms and more precise terms for describing trends, such as 'surged', 'declined', or 'proportion'. The current range is sufficient to communicate the main points but lacks the flexibility required for higher scores.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. For example, 'the New York city and all of its five districts population' is awkwardly phrased, and 'the population was rise and fall' is grammatically incorrect. There are also issues with article usage, such as 'in Manhattan city' instead of 'in Manhattan'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to affect the overall clarity. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct tense usage would significantly enhance the accuracy of your writing.
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.