Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
Tables showing difference of population rise in New York city over two centuries,along with individual districts data.
Over two centuries there has been a boom in New York population as we see almost 300% rise during 18th to 19th century making it almost impossible for local bodies to meet the need of every single person.
On other hand single district of Manhattan has 186% rise in this period leaving behind other district behind.
During 20th century population has increased almost 3 folds
But at districts level there may have been some legislations to control and manage this large scale increase in population in Manhattan because due to overcrowding in single district there has been increased shift in other four districts.
Overall viewing this table data 19th to 20th century has large boost in population of New York city.This may have benefitted their economy which shows this drastic growth rate of population.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to adequately address the task. While it mentions the population growth, it lacks a clear overview and fails to report the specific data points provided in the tables. The analysis is superficial and relies on speculation (e.g., mentioning 'legislations' or 'economy') rather than accurately describing the trends shown in the figures. The comparison between districts is vague and does not reference the actual figures provided. To improve, you must present the key data points clearly and avoid adding external information or personal opinions that are not supported by the provided tables.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay lacks a logical structure. The paragraphs are poorly defined, and the progression of ideas is disjointed. While there are some attempts at cohesive devices, they are often used incorrectly or in a way that does not help the flow of information. For example, the transition 'On other hand' is used without a preceding contrasting point. The lack of clear paragraphing makes the response difficult to follow. You should aim to group related data together and use clear linking words to guide the reader through your analysis.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'boom in New York population' and 'drastic growth rate' are used, but the overall range is insufficient for a higher band. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as '3 folds' instead of 'threefold' and 'individual districts data' instead of 'data for individual districts'. To achieve a higher score, you need to use a wider range of vocabulary, including more precise terms for describing trends and data, and ensure that your word choices are accurate and natural.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with article usage (e.g., 'in single district'), subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack the necessary complexity to demonstrate a good range of grammar. For example, 'Tables showing difference of population rise' is not a complete sentence. You should focus on writing complete, grammatically correct sentences and practice using a variety of structures, such as complex sentences with subordinate clauses, to improve your accuracy and range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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