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 first table illustrates variations in the total population of New York City between 1800 and 2000. However, the second table indicates changes in the population of the five districts of the city.
At the beginning of 1800, New York City, including all five districts, had a total population of 79,216, which was the lowest figure recorded. In 1900, the total population increased to 3,437,202 from 79,216 in 1800. However, the total population had reached 8,009,185 by 2000.
Furthermore, Manhattan had a population of 60,515, making up 76% of the total population, which was the highest proportion recorded in 1800. In addition, it had a population to 1,850,093 in 1900, accounting for 54% of total population. However, in 2000 it had a population of 1,538,096 representing 19% total population which was lowest percentage noted.
Other all five districts had a population 18,701 to 1,587,109 by 1800 to 1900 making up 24% to 46% of total population which was percentage reported. However, in 2000 had a population 6,471,089 accounting for 81% which was highest proportion recorded.
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 growth of New York City and the shifting proportions of the districts. However, the analysis is somewhat uneven. While you correctly identify the total population figures and the shift in Manhattan's dominance, the grouping of the 'other four districts' is a bit simplistic. To reach a higher band, you should provide more specific comparisons between the individual districts (e.g., noting which district grew the fastest) rather than grouping them together. The overview is missing; a summary statement highlighting the most significant trend—the massive overall growth and the decentralization of the population away from Manhattan—is essential for a higher score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or repetitive (e.g., 'However' is used at the start of almost every paragraph). Additionally, some sentences lack logical flow, such as 'Other all five districts had a population 18,701 to 1,587,109 by 1800 to 1900', which is confusingly phrased. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to track the data points being discussed. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus would improve the coherence of the essay.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'variations', 'proportion', and 'representing'. However, there are noticeable errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'Other all five districts' and 'it had a population to 1,850,093'. These errors occasionally make the text feel slightly unnatural. To improve, focus on using more precise reporting verbs and nouns, and ensure that your phrasing of data points is grammatically sound. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, but it lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'it had a population to 1,850,093' is grammatically incorrect, and 'representing 19% total population which was lowest percentage noted' is missing articles. There are also issues with preposition usage and sentence construction, particularly in the final paragraph. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles would significantly enhance the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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