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 first table illustrates us the variation in the total population of New York city from 1800 to 2000. The second and third table demonstrates us the changes in the population of the five districts of the city over the same time period.
Overall , the population of New York City and other districts increased from 1800 to 2000 but the population of Manhattan fell down. The highest number of persons recorded in New York City in 2000.
In 1800 , the population in New York City is greater then the Manhattan and other districts . In first century the population in New York City is raised from 79,216 to 3,437,202 and in next century it increased almost double. In the Manhattan
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 ability to fully address the task. The summary is incomplete, as the text cuts off abruptly in the third paragraph. While there is an attempt to identify main features, such as the overall population growth, the analysis is underdeveloped and lacks the necessary detail to provide a comprehensive overview of the data provided in the tables. The failure to complete the description of the districts means the task is only partially addressed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into short paragraphs, but the logical flow is interrupted by the incomplete nature of the text. Cohesive devices are used in a very basic and repetitive manner, such as 'In 1800' and 'In first century'. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the lack of a completed conclusion or detailed body paragraphs prevents the development of a coherent progression of ideas. The abrupt ending makes it difficult to assess the overall structure effectively.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'increased', 'variation', and 'changes'. There are errors in word choice, such as 'illustrates us' and 'demonstrates us', which are grammatically incorrect in this context. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands. To improve, you should focus on using more precise reporting verbs and synonyms for growth and decline, such as 'fluctuated', 'surged', or 'experienced a downward trend'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'The first table illustrates us', 'greater then' (should be 'than'), and 'in first century' (missing articles). The sentence structures are predominantly simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. Tense usage is inconsistent, with shifts between present and past that do not accurately reflect the historical data provided. Improving control over basic sentence construction and article usage is essential.
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.