Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-24
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 total population of New York state from 1800 to 2000. Two other tables show changes in the population of the five different districts of the city which includes Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.
Overall, New York city population 79,216 in 1800, and in next they are increase in very large 3,437,202 in 1900, moreover 8,009,185 people live New York in 2000. Population increased in these time and five major districts of the city which has vast changes.
Initially, Manhattan district population in 1800 has 60,515 as 76 percent of total population, and 1,850,093 in 1900, as percentage of total population is 54%. In 2000, whole population of Manhattan city is 1,538,096 as 195 of total population.
Furthermore, other four districts which include Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten island has 18,701 population as percentage 24% of total population in 1800. In 1900, the population reached 1,587,109 as 46% of total population and the last in 2000, population almost 6,471,089 as compare percentage is 81% of total population.
As a result, these five districts which has vast changes in centuries and the population is more increased as compare to previous years.
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 trends in the data, but the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you identified the overall growth and the shift in population distribution between Manhattan and the other districts, the reporting of figures is occasionally inaccurate or confusing (e.g., '195 of total population'). The summary of the data is present, but it lacks a clear, analytical focus on the most significant changes. To improve, ensure you accurately transcribe data points and provide a more cohesive comparison between the districts rather than just listing numbers. The overview is present but could be more clearly defined to highlight the primary trend of decentralization.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as the awkward transition 'and the last in 2000'. Some sentences lack logical flow, making the progression of ideas feel disjointed. Referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when grouping the 'other four districts'. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'subsequently') and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through the data points.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'increase' and 'population'. There are several instances of awkward word choices and phrasing, such as 'as compare percentage is' and 'in next they are increase'. These errors occasionally impede the clarity of the information. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'surged', 'declined', 'accounted for', or 'proportion'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help you describe the data more fluently and professionally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('districts... has'), article usage, and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack the necessary complexity to demonstrate a high level of control. For example, 'in next they are increase in very large' is grammatically incorrect and difficult to parse. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic structures prevents a higher score. Focus on mastering simple sentence construction before attempting more complex structures, and pay close attention to verb tenses when describing historical data.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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