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 table illustrates the population of New York City and five districts of the City between 1800 and 2000. Names of five districts are: the Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and 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 districts at 24% 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 how rapidly population has grew so we have to introduce some policies to overcome that problem. If we don't control it then it will 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 | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to summarise the data but fails to clearly identify and report the main features. The description of the data is often confusing, particularly the comparison between the total population and the percentage breakdown of the districts. For instance, the statement 'Manhattan 76% and other districts at 24%' is not clearly supported by the provided tables. Furthermore, the inclusion of personal opinions in the conclusion, such as 'we have to introduce some policies to overcome that problem', is inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 report, which requires an objective summary of data. The response lacks a clear overview of the trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is often unclear. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as the transition 'Furthermore, the Manhattan has only 19% and other districts have 81% population'. The referencing is occasionally confusing, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the total population figures and the district percentages. While there is an attempt at logical sequencing, the lack of clarity in how the data points relate to one another hinders the overall flow of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
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 errors in collocation, such as 'the Manhattan' (the definite article is unnecessary here) and 'population has grew' (incorrect verb form). The vocabulary is sufficient to convey basic meaning, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher band scores. The student relies on basic structures to describe the data, which limits the ability to express the trends effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'The New York City has recorded' (incorrect article usage), 'population has grew' (incorrect past participle), and 'then Manhattan which were 54%' (incorrect relative pronoun and verb agreement). Punctuation is generally functional, but the errors in verb tense and subject-verb agreement are noticeable throughout the text. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall clarity and accuracy of the report.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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