Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-27

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 illustrate the total population of New York city from 1800 to 2000. Where second and third tables elucidate the population of the five districts of the city over the same period.

Overall, in the year of 2000 New York city had the highest population, While in 1800 had the lowest population. In Manhattan the population is same as New York, mean 1800 had the highest and 2000 is the lowest. But the percentage is vis versa. In other districts 1800 had highest population with smallest percentage but 2000 had highest population with highest percentage.

In detail, in New York population recorded in 1800 was 79,216. The population was jumped to 3,437,202 in 1900. Whereas population climbed to 8,009,185 in 2000.

In Manhattan, the population was calculated with lowest population in 1800 with 60,515 , where it was biggest percentage of total population with 76%. In 1900 population rose to 1,850,093 and percentage was 54% of total population. In 2000 population slightly declined to 1,538,096 and percentage also reduced to 19%.

In other districts like Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island had lowest population in 1800 with 18,701 , whereas the percentage was 24%. In 1900 the population gradually increased to 1,587,109 with 46%. In 2000, the population had highest number with 6,471,089 and recorded the highest percentage of districts with 81%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the data, including the total population growth and the shifting proportions of the districts. However, the analysis contains significant inaccuracies. For instance, you state that Manhattan had the 'lowest population' in 1800, whereas the data shows it had the highest (60,515). Furthermore, the grouping of the other four districts is handled somewhat confusingly, as you describe them as having the 'lowest population' in 1800, which is factually incorrect based on the provided table. While you identify the key trends, the misinterpretation of the data points prevents a higher score. Ensure you double-check the figures against the source material to ensure accuracy in your reporting.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. However, the flow of ideas is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. For example, the use of 'Where' at the start of the second sentence is grammatically incorrect, and the transition 'In detail' is a bit abrupt. While there is an attempt to use cohesive devices like 'Whereas' and 'In other districts', the logical progression is sometimes disrupted by the factual errors mentioned in the task achievement section. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they are used accurately would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and range required for a higher band. You use basic verbs like 'jumped', 'climbed', and 'rose' repeatedly. There are also some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'mean 1800 had the highest' and 'percentage is vis versa'. To improve, you should aim to use more sophisticated vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'surged', 'fluctuated', or 'accounted for'. Additionally, ensure you use terms like 'vice versa' correctly and avoid repetitive phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('The first table illustrate'), missing articles ('in New York city'), and incorrect verb tenses or forms ('population was jumped'). The sentence 'In Manhattan the population is same as New York, mean 1800 had the highest' is particularly problematic in terms of grammatical structure. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and article usage.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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