Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-29
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 tables provide information about the people living in new york in between 1800 and 2000. And also shows the percentage of people living in Manhatten and including four other districts.
Overall, the population of New york increased dramatically over the period. Vast majority of people living in Manhatten making it the most populated district of New york, but its share declined considerably by 2000. In contrast the other four districts experienced a substantial increase in both population and proportion of total city's population.
In 1800, New York city population is 79,216 then these figures increased gradually at 3,437,202 with compared to 2000, the total population stood at 8,009,185.
And the vast majority of population living in Manhatten accounted for 76% in 1800 of total city's population but these figures fell subsequently and accounting for 54% in 1900 with compare to 2000 at only 19% of overall population.
In 2000 the total poulation of New York city reached 8,009,185. Interestingly manhatten's population decreased slightly to 1,[redacted phone]. In contrast the other four districts saw a substantial rise to 6,471,990, which represented 81% of total population.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the data, including the overall population growth and the shift in distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the reporting of data is inconsistent. For instance, the statement that Manhattan's population 'decreased slightly' to 1,537,195 is inaccurate, as the table shows a significant increase from 60,515 in 1800 to over 1.5 million in 2000. Additionally, the comparison between 1800 and 1900 is somewhat confusingly phrased. To improve, ensure that data points are accurately transcribed and that comparisons clearly highlight the contrast between the growth of the city as a whole and the relative decline of Manhattan's percentage share.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific data points. There is a clear progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'in contrast' and 'and'. Some transitions between sentences are abrupt, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when discussing the shift in percentages. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the flow of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe trends such as 'increased dramatically', 'declined considerably', and 'substantial rise'. However, there are some spelling errors (e.g., 'Manhatten' instead of 'Manhattan', 'poulation' instead of 'population') and minor inaccuracies in word choice. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors. To reach a higher band, the student should aim to use more precise academic vocabulary and ensure consistent accuracy in spelling and terminology related to statistical reporting.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'New York city population is 79,216' (tense error), 'with compared to' (incorrect prepositional phrase), and 'accounting for 54% in 1900 with compare to 2000' (awkward phrasing). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are issues with sentence boundaries and clarity. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to affect the overall fluency. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct prepositional usage would significantly improve the accuracy of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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