Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The given first table illustrates the alteration of New York City population between year 1800 and 2000. While, the second and third tables depicts transformation of population in the five districts of city such as, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island. However Manhattan remained balanced throughout the given time
Overall, it widely considered that in year 2000 New York City witnessed highest number of population 8,009,185. Same trend seen for other districts where they stand at 81%
To begin with, the population of New York City in year 1800 was 79,216 and rose rapidly by the year 1900 with numbers of 3,437,202 and reached at its peak accounting 8,009,185.
Manhattan also witnessed major downfall in their population. In year 1800 the largest number of individuals in the city are 76% and decreased gradually with the proportion of 54% and 19% in year 1900 and 2000 respectively.
Population of other districts faced fluctuations in people density. Year 1800 had 24% of population. Slightly increased in year 1900. And took a significant jump to 81% in year 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| 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 proportions between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For instance, the statement 'Manhattan remained balanced' is inaccurate, as the data shows a clear and significant decline in its population share. Furthermore, the grouping of all other districts into a single category lacks detail, and the claim that they 'stand at 81%' in the year 2000 is a misinterpretation of the table, which shows 81% as the cumulative total for the four other districts combined. The report would benefit from more precise data selection and accurate interpretation of the trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, 'However' is used incorrectly at the end of the first paragraph, and 'To begin with' is used to introduce the third paragraph, which does not follow a logical sequence from the previous one. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the 'other districts', making it difficult to track the progression of ideas. Improved use of linking words and clearer paragraph transitions would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks precision. Phrases like 'witnessed highest number of population' and 'took a significant jump' are somewhat informal or awkward. There are also issues with word choice, such as 'alteration' instead of 'change' or 'trend' in this context. While the student attempts to use some data-related terminology, the range is limited, and the repetition of basic structures hinders the overall quality of the writing. More varied and precise terminology related to statistics and trends is needed to reach a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include missing articles ('in year 1800'), incorrect verb forms ('tables depicts'), and awkward phrasing ('numbers of 3,437,202'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary commas and fragmented sentences. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to distract the reader and indicate a lack of control over complex grammatical structures. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage would lead to immediate improvement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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