Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The first 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.
According to the first table City of New York population of years calculate and the table of Manhattan calculate the percentage of total population and the third table calculate the percentage of other districts.
As per base the first table population of New York City in year of 1800 79,216 and the year of 1900 population increase is 3,437,202 and the last step in the year of 2000 the percentage of population is 8,009,185. According to the table of Manhattan in the year of 1800 in the population is 60,515 as percentage of total population is 76% and the year of 1900 population is 1,850,093 and total percentage of 54% and the year of 2000 the population is 1,538,096 as per 19% of total population.In the next table other district (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens,Staten Island. In year of 1800 the population is decrease than the other years is 18,701 as percentage 24 of total population and the next year in 1900 the the population is 1,587,109 as 46% of total population and the last year in 2000 the population is 6,471,089 as the total of 81%.
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 by reporting data from the tables, but it fails to effectively summarise the main features or make meaningful comparisons. The writing is largely a repetitive listing of figures rather than an analytical summary. The student struggles to interpret the data, often using confusing phrasing such as 'City of New York population of years calculate'. While the key data points are present, the lack of a clear overview and the failure to highlight significant trends (such as the massive growth in the outer districts compared to Manhattan) limit the response to a Band 5 level.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response lacks a logical structure. It is presented as a single, dense block of text rather than being organised into clear paragraphs. Cohesive devices are either missing or used incorrectly, such as the repetitive use of 'the year of' and 'according to'. The progression of ideas is disjointed, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between Manhattan and the other districts. The lack of paragraphing and the mechanical, repetitive nature of the sentences significantly hinder the flow of information.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is very limited and repetitive. The student relies heavily on basic words like 'table', 'population', 'year', and 'percentage'. There is a lack of variety in reporting verbs or comparative language, which is essential for Task 1. Phrases like 'last step in the year of 2000' and 'as per base' are unnatural and demonstrate a lack of control over academic register. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey basic information but lacks the range and precision required for a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that often impede clarity. There are issues with sentence structure, such as 'the population is decrease than the other years', and missing articles or prepositions throughout the text. The student relies almost exclusively on simple sentence structures, and attempts at more complex reporting are often marred by errors in word order and tense usage. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly regarding the list of districts. These frequent errors demonstrate a limited control of grammar.
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.