Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-21
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 table illustrates the changes in the total population of New York between the year 1800 to 2000 while the second and third tables compares the changes in population of the five districts of the city of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island over the same period. Figures are measured in percentage.
Overall, there is an increase in the number of population over the years. Other districts recorded the highest population in the second and third year compared to the first year. Manhattan as well recorded greater population in the second and third year than the first year, New York made the same the changes.
New York recorded a large proportion in the second and third year with the number of 8,009,185 and 3,437,202 respectively while in 1800, they
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 task achievement. Furthermore, the essay is incomplete, ending abruptly mid-sentence. While the introduction attempts to paraphrase the prompt, the body paragraphs lack a clear analysis of the data. The summary of trends is vague, using terms like 'second and third year' rather than identifying the specific time periods or trends across the two centuries. To improve, you must provide a complete response that covers all data points, identifies key trends, and ensures the word count requirement is met.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is poorly structured due to its incomplete nature. While there is an attempt at paragraphing, the logical progression is hindered by the lack of content. Cohesive devices are minimal and somewhat repetitive, such as the repeated use of 'in the second and third year'. The lack of a concluding sentence or a fully developed body paragraph makes it difficult to follow the flow of information. To improve, ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and use a wider variety of linking words to connect your ideas logically.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'recorded the highest population' and 'greater population' are used repeatedly without variation. There is also a lack of precise terminology to describe statistical trends (e.g., 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable'). The word choice is functional but lacks the range required for a higher band score. To improve, focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary related to data description and try to avoid repeating the same phrases throughout your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors, such as 'the second and third tables compares' (subject-verb agreement) and 'the number of population' (incorrect collocation). The sentence structures are relatively simple, and the abrupt ending makes it impossible to assess your ability to use complex structures effectively. There are also issues with punctuation and clarity. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and practice constructing more complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions like 'although', 'whereas', or 'while'.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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