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 given first table chart demonstrates the changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000 while second and third table illustrates the changes in the population of the five districts of the city such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx , Queens, Staten Island over the same period. The data of first table chart is measured in digits while second and third table chart accounted for percentage.
It is clearly evidetable that the highest population was recorded at 8,009,185 with calender year 2000, decline with 3,437,202 with calender year 1900 and 79,216 with calender year 1800.
Talking about Manhattan, The highest proportion of total population was reached at 76% with 60,515 digit in calender year 1800. 54% and 19% stood at 1,850,093 and 1,538,096 population digit in the calender year 1900 and 2000 respectively.
Talking about Other districts such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx , Queens, Staten Island , the highest ratio of total population was 81% with 6,471,089 digit in 2000 while 46% and 24% prefered with 1,587,109 and 18,701 in 1900 and 1800.
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 summarise the data but fails to clearly distinguish between the three tables. The description of the population trends is confusing, particularly the attempt to compare absolute numbers with percentages. While you identify some key figures, the analysis lacks a clear overview of the trends (e.g., the massive growth in NYC population or the shift in population distribution between Manhattan and the other districts). The data is presented in a fragmented way, and the comparison between the 'first table' and 'second/third tables' is not effectively integrated. To improve, focus on grouping the data logically and highlighting the most significant changes over the 200-year period rather than just listing isolated figures.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes repetitive, such as the repeated use of 'Talking about'. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when you refer to 'other districts' while including Manhattan in that list, which contradicts your previous paragraph. The flow between sentences is often mechanical, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison of data across the different time periods. Using a wider range of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, distinct focus would significantly improve the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. You frequently use the word 'digit' to refer to population numbers, which is inaccurate in this context. There are also several non-standard word choices, such as 'evidetable' (not a word) and 'prefered' (incorrect usage). While you manage to convey the basic meaning, the lack of precise terminology for describing statistical trends (e.g., 'surged', 'plummeted', 'proportion', 'accounted for') hinders the quality of the report. To reach a higher band, focus on using more academic vocabulary to describe trends and avoid using informal or incorrect terms like 'digit' when referring to population statistics.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('second and third table illustrates') and article usage ('the given first table chart'). The sentence structures are relatively simple, and there are errors in preposition use and word formation, such as 'calender year' (spelling error) and 'decline with' (incorrect preposition). While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors impacts the overall fluency of the response. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring subject-verb agreement, and proofreading for common spelling and punctuation mistakes.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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