Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-26
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 charts compare the information about the population of the New York city along with its five districts named Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten island between 1800 and 2000.
Overview, in second year Manhattan illustrated the maximum population whereas, other four districts have less population in the same year.
After analysis, it can be clearly seen that in year 1800,the population of all five districts was 79,216 while, it increased sharply in 2000 and reached at 8,009,185. Population of Manhattan was 76 % in 1800, however the population of other places declined to 24% in same year .
Moving further towards the remaining data, the density of other districts inclined to 46% by 1900 , whilst Manhattan decreased to 54% from the initial percentile. The last year, other districts occupied the highest position for the population of 81% and the density of Manhattan decreased to 19% .
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 fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While you have identified the main trends, the analysis is somewhat superficial. You correctly highlight the overall population growth and the shift in distribution from Manhattan to the other districts. However, the data interpretation is occasionally confusing, particularly the use of percentages which are not clearly explained or derived from the provided tables. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview and support your descriptions with accurate data points from all parts of the tables, ensuring the response length is sufficient to cover the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by awkward phrasing and unclear transitions. While you use some cohesive devices like 'After analysis' and 'Moving further', they feel somewhat mechanical. The referencing is occasionally ambiguous, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between Manhattan and the 'other districts'. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through the data comparison.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on repetitive phrasing such as 'population of' and 'districts'. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as using 'density' when referring to population percentages, and 'inclined' which is not the correct term for describing statistical trends. To improve, try to use more varied reporting verbs and nouns related to data, such as 'proportion', 'accounted for', or 'experienced a shift'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'In second year Manhattan illustrated' (missing article), 'reached at 8,009,185' (incorrect preposition), and 'the density of other districts inclined to 46%'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma placement. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct preposition usage, and ensuring that your complex sentences are constructed accurately without missing articles or incorrect verb forms.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.