Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-23
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 initial table chart represents the development in the total population of New York City between 1800 and 2000.While, the other charts illustrate the modification in the population of five districts. Overall, the first table gives information about the new york city including five districts along their total population. Whereas, the other tables represents the total population with their percentages of manhattan and other districts such as Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Island.
Firstly, it can be seen towards the first table which represents the total population of New York City containg some districts, in 1800 the maximum population rate was 79,216 then it increased through out the period in 1900 at 3,437,202. In 2000, the population was significantly rose with 8,009,185.
On the other hand , by Manhattan the proportion of population was 60,515 with almost 3rd quarter in 1800, which was climbed upto 1,850,093 with 54% in 1900. Afterward, this rate was stopped at 1,538,096 with 19% after a bit reducing. By comparatively, the other districts started total population from 18,701 with a quarter approximately in 1800, then it was increased at 1,587,109 with 46% in 1900. Whereas, in 2000, it was dramatically jumps at 6,471,089 with 81%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| 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, including the total population growth and the shifts in district proportions. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For example, the description of the 'other districts' is vague, and the interpretation of the data (e.g., '3rd quarter') is inaccurate based on the provided tables. While the main trends are identified, the comparison between Manhattan and the other districts could be more precise. The response meets the minimum length requirement, but the lack of clarity in reporting specific figures and the slight misinterpretation of the data prevent it from reaching a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is often hindered by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. Phrases like 'Firstly, it can be seen towards the first table' and 'By comparatively' are unnatural and do not effectively guide the reader. Referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the 'other districts' as a group. While there is an attempt at paragraphing, the internal structure of the paragraphs lacks the cohesion needed for a higher score, as the sentences often feel disjointed rather than building a coherent argument or summary.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are several instances of word-choice errors, such as 'modification' instead of 'changes', 'containg' (spelling error), and 'dramatically jumps' (incorrect collocation). The student relies on basic descriptors and struggles to use precise terminology to describe statistical trends. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of variety and the frequent errors in word choice and spelling indicate a limited range that is just adequate for the task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but accuracy is inconsistent. There are frequent errors in verb tense and subject-verb agreement, such as 'the population was significantly rose' and 'the other tables represents'. Punctuation is also problematic, with unnecessary spaces before commas and inconsistent capitalization (e.g., 'new york city'). These errors are frequent and occasionally cause the reader to pause, although they do not completely impede communication. A greater focus on basic grammatical accuracy is required.
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.