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 and 2000. Names of five districts are: 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 than 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, 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 grown 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 the 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 summarize the data but fails to provide a clear overview or accurately report the main features. The description of the data is often confusing; for example, stating that New York City had the 'most population' compared to its own districts is logically flawed. The comparison between the total population and the percentage breakdown of the districts is poorly handled, leading to inaccurate reporting of the trends. Furthermore, the inclusion of personal opinions in the conclusion—suggesting policies to solve population growth—is inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 report, which requires an objective summary of the provided data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is disjointed. While there is an attempt to use cohesive devices like 'Furthermore' and 'In conclusion', the logical flow between sentences is weak. The referencing is often unclear, particularly when discussing the percentages of Manhattan versus 'other districts'. The conclusion does not summarize the data but instead introduces irrelevant commentary, which disrupts the coherence of the report. The overall structure is mechanical rather than fluid.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Phrases such as 'most population' and 'higher than' are used repeatedly, and the student struggles to describe numerical trends with precision. There is a lack of variety in reporting verbs and nouns related to data analysis. Some word choices are imprecise, such as 'timeline' used to describe a period of years. The range is sufficient for basic communication but lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but accuracy is inconsistent. There are frequent errors in article usage (e.g., 'The New York City', 'the most population') and subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'This tables shows'). Some sentences are grammatically awkward, such as 'Greater upward trajectory shown in New York City of 3,437,202 than Manhattan which were 54%'. These errors occasionally cause the reader to pause, though the general meaning remains discernible.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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