Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-25
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 first table depicts the total population in New York City from 1800 to 2000. In addition, the second and third tables illustrate the change in the population of the five districts over the same years.
Overall, the total population of New York City in each year was given in the first table and the population was higher in 2000 as compared to the other two years. Moreover, population changes in the five districts with percentage were given in the second and third tables. In the second table district Manhattan had a higher population in 1800. While in the third table the percentage of all four districts were given. A significant rise in population was observed in 2000.
In the first table the population in 1800 was 79,216 then in the year 1900 the number of the population had increased to 3,437,202. A higher number observed in 2000.
Therefore, in the second table district Manhattan population had changed every year, in 1800 population was higher but in 2000 only 19 percent of the population lived there. In contrast, the third table displayed different data, in 2000 all four districts were covering 81 percent of population which was higher than the year 1800.
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 cover the data provided but fails to select and report the main features effectively. The overview is repetitive and lacks a clear synthesis of the trends. For instance, stating that 'the total population... was higher in 2000' is a basic observation rather than a summary of the significant growth trend. Furthermore, the analysis of the district tables is confusing; the text struggles to accurately interpret the percentage data, leading to a lack of clarity regarding the shift in population distribution across the five boroughs. To improve, focus on identifying the most striking changes, such as the massive overall growth and the relative decline of Manhattan's share compared to the rise of other districts.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused, such as the repetitive use of 'In the first table' and 'In the second table' to start sentences. Referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the percentages in the third table. The transition between the general population data and the district-specific data is abrupt, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison. Improving the use of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'whereas', 'in contrast') and ensuring each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would significantly enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'higher number observed' and 'population had changed' are used frequently without much variation. There is an attempt to use some specific terminology, but the lack of precision in describing the data (e.g., 'covering 81 percent of population') hinders the clarity of the report. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'significant surge', 'proportionate decline', or 'accounted for'. The current range is adequate for basic communication but lacks the flexibility required for higher scores.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include incorrect verb tenses ('was given', 'were given'), missing articles, and awkward phrasing ('district Manhattan population had changed'). Punctuation is generally functional, but some sentences are clunky due to poor word order. While the errors do not completely impede communication, they are noticeable and occur throughout the text. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles would help improve the overall accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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