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)
The first table illustrate the change in the total population of New York from 1800 to 2000 as well as second and third tables shows the change in population of the five districts of the city such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island at the same period.
Overall, In the initial picture provided the population with year in New York City(all five districts). Subsequently, other tables gives Manhattan and other districts same as a initial however also with percentage of total population.
In 1800, New York City population were 79,216 in all five districts. After that, in 1900 the population were increase rapidly from 79,216 to 3,437,202 in New York City. Subsequently, in 2000 population of all five districts were growth to 8,009,185 in New York City.
By Contrast, Manhattan population were 60,515 with 76% of total population in 1800 as well as in other districts population were 18,701 with 24% at the same year. Subsequently, in 1900 Manhattan population was rise but percentage were decrease however other districts population was rise and the percentage also growth. In 2000 Manhattan population and percentage both decline however other districts were increase in 2000 year.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to address the task but fails to provide a clear, accurate summary of the data. While the overall trend of population growth is mentioned, the specific figures are often presented in a confusing manner. For instance, the description of the percentage changes in the final paragraph is inaccurate and lacks the necessary precision required for a data-reporting task. The overview is poorly constructed, failing to highlight the most significant trends, such as the massive overall growth or the shift in population distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. The response lacks a clear focus on comparing the key features of the data provided in the tables.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
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 'Subsequently' to start sentences. Referencing is frequently unclear, particularly when referring to 'other districts' without specifying which ones or how they relate to the data. The introduction is disjointed, and the transition between the general population data and the district-specific data is abrupt. The overall structure does not effectively guide the reader through the information presented in the tables.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. The student relies on basic verbs like 'increase', 'growth', and 'rise', often using them incorrectly (e.g., 'population were growth' instead of 'population grew'). There is a lack of precision in describing statistical trends, and the phrasing is often awkward, such as 'initial picture provided' or 'same as a initial'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic topic but lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The first table illustrate', 'population were increase') and incorrect verb forms (e.g., 'population were growth'). Sentence structures are mostly simple or contain errors when attempting more complex constructions. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and capitalization. The lack of control over basic grammatical rules significantly limits the quality of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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