Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
These tables demonstrate the changes in the total population of New York city in 2 decades from 1800 to 2000. Moreover, the second and third tables illustrate the changes in the proportion of population in five district of the city Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island over the same period.
Overall, the population of all five districts of New York see a dramatic changes in 2 decades. In 1800, the total individuals those who are resident in New York five districts are 79,216. In 1900, the numbers change flawlessly and there was a huge changes in the population which is 3,437,202 hundreds time more than year 1900. In 2000, There was a dramatic change in population of the Several districts, which is 8,009,185 more the double than year 1900.
Moreover, In all five districts Manhattan was the most populace compare to all districts in year 1800, with the total population of 76 percent. in 1900, it fluctuated to 50%, and again decline in year 2000, to 19%.
In addition, other districts like Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island also face a growth in 2 decades. In 1800, the total proportion of these district was 24%, which almost doubled in 1900, and without stepping back it rose until year 2000 leading the way with 81% of total population.
In conclusion, In this period of time New York city become very populace. However, there is a major decline in Manhattan, population. In addition, other four districts has a major growth in 2 decades.
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 cover the main features, but there are significant inaccuracies in data interpretation. You incorrectly state the period is '2 decades' when it spans two centuries (1800–2000). Furthermore, the calculation 'hundreds time more' is mathematically incorrect and confusing. While you identify the trend of Manhattan's decline and the growth of other districts, the lack of precision in reporting the data (e.g., misinterpreting the total population figures) prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure you carefully read the axes and labels provided in the charts and avoid making unsupported mathematical claims.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused. For example, 'Moreover' is used at the start of paragraphs where it does not logically connect the preceding idea. The transition between the general population trends and the specific district proportions is somewhat abrupt. While there is an overall progression, the logical flow is hindered by repetitive phrasing and some awkward transitions. Using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'subsequently') would improve the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. You frequently use basic terms like 'changes', 'growth', and 'populace' (which is used incorrectly as an adjective). There are also issues with word choice, such as 'flawlessly' to describe numerical changes, which is inappropriate in this context. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'surged', 'plummeted', 'accounted for', or 'constituted'. Avoid using informal or imprecise descriptors when discussing statistical data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'population... see a dramatic changes', 'districts has a major growth') and article usage (e.g., 'in year 1800'). Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at complex sentences often contain errors in punctuation or word order. For instance, 'the total individuals those who are resident' is ungrammatical. Focusing on basic accuracy, such as ensuring singular/plural consistency and correct verb tenses, will significantly improve your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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