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 given table compares the data of overall population in New York in 1800, 1900, and 2000, while others remaining tables illustrate the information about transformation in the population of 5 different district. Noticeably, population was constantly rose over the years.
It is clear from the table that, in all five districts of New York city observed upward trends in term of population. In 1800, population was only 71,216 by 1800. This figure rose significantly and stood at 8,009,185 by 2000.
In Manhattan, population was observed Over the third, which was the highest figure as compared to other years and districts. This ratio declined steadily and stood at nearly a five. Other districts showed opposite trends compared to Manhattan. Only 24% of population recorded in 1800, 46% in 1900 and in 2000 ratio escalated and reached ate 80%
Overall, the highest population was observed in other districts at the end of the year, while least proportion was recorded in Manhattan.
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 attempts to summarize the data but fails to provide a clear or accurate overview. The description of the trends is confusing and contains significant inaccuracies. For instance, the statement 'population was constantly rose' is grammatically incorrect and vague. Furthermore, the analysis of the districts is problematic; the student mentions 'Manhattan' and 'other districts' but fails to accurately interpret the provided tables, leading to a lack of clarity regarding the specific data points. The comparison between 1800, 1900, and 2000 is present, but the key features are not highlighted effectively. To improve, focus on identifying the most significant trends and using precise data to support your observations.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression of ideas is weak. The transition between the general population overview and the district-specific data is abrupt. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'It is clear from the table' and 'Overall', but they are often followed by confusing or inaccurate information, which hinders the flow. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the 'ratio' or 'proportion' of the population, making it difficult for the reader to follow the argument. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, focused topic sentence would significantly enhance the coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary range is limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'the given table compares', 'illustrate the information', and 'observed upward trends' are standard but used in a way that lacks precision. There are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'others remaining tables' instead of 'the remaining tables' and 'reached ate 80%' (a likely typo). The student struggles to use more sophisticated vocabulary to describe trends, relying on basic descriptors. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate a wider variety of verbs and nouns related to data analysis, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'proportion', and 'significant growth'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with verb tense consistency, such as 'population was constantly rose' and 'population was observed Over the third'. Sentence structures are generally simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors, such as 'in all five districts of New York city observed upward trends in term of population'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing commas and incorrect capitalization. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring that sentence structures are grammatically sound before attempting more complex constructions.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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