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)
The table illustrates the population of New York city and five districts of the city between 1800 to 2000. Names of five districts are; the Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx Queens, Staten Island.
The New York city has recorded the most population over the same period of the timeline. In the year 1800, it is highest recorded as 79,216 as compared to Manhattan 76% and Other districts24% respectively. Greater upward trajectory shown in New York city of 3,437,202 then Manhattan which were 54% and there was a slight decline in other districts in 1900.
In 2000, New York has the largest population of 8,009,185. Furthermore, the Manhattan has only 19% and other districts have 81% population. It was higher than the population of Manhattan.
In conclusion, the population of New York city was higher than other five districts. This tables shows us that how rapidly population was grown so we have to introduce some policies to overcome that problem. If we don't control it than it become a bigger challenge for us in future.
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 address the task but fails to provide a clear or accurate summary of the data. The interpretation of the tables is confusing; for instance, the student incorrectly compares the total population of New York City to its own districts as if they were separate entities. Key trends, such as the consistent growth in all districts, are not clearly highlighted. Furthermore, the inclusion of personal opinions and policy recommendations in the conclusion is inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 report, which should remain objective and analytical. The data points selected are often unclear or misstated, leading to a lack of focus on the main features.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression of ideas is weak. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Furthermore' and 'In conclusion', but they are often used mechanically or to connect ideas that do not follow logically from one another. The referencing is frequently unclear, particularly when discussing 'other districts' versus specific named districts. The paragraphing is present, but the internal structure of the paragraphs lacks the necessary flow to guide the reader through the data effectively.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'recorded the most population' and 'upward trajectory shown' are used, but the word choice is often imprecise or unnatural. There are issues with collocation, such as 'population was grown', which should be 'population grew' or 'population increased'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey basic meaning, but it lacks the precision and variety required for higher bands. The student relies on basic descriptors and struggles to use academic terminology accurately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex sentence structures, but accuracy is inconsistent. There are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'Names of five districts are; the Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx Queens, Staten Island' (incorrect punctuation and article usage) and 'If we don't control it than it become a bigger challenge' (incorrect conditional structure and 'than' instead of 'then'). Subject-verb agreement and article usage are problematic throughout. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors is high enough to distract the reader.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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