Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-30
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 table shows the total residents of New York city from 1800, 1900, 2000, while the second and third tables shows changes in the population of five districts of the city ( Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island) over the same period.
overall, I New York city density of population dramatically increase in 2000 with slight hike in 1900. While In Manhattan it almost the double from 1800 to 1900 and 2000 respectively. other districts shown in also in positive growth with huge jammed in 2000.
In New York having 79,216 residents in 1800, which increased of 3,437,202 over the next 100 years.The number hits to 8,009,185 which was considerably increased in 2000.
At Manhattan, In 1800 contributes 76% of population which fall down at 54% in 1900 that around 1,850,93 and it continue to fall down at 19% around 1538,096 in 2000.
Other districts, there was Huge increase in population from 24% which was around 18,701 in 1800 followed by 46% around 1,[redacted phone] residents in 1900. In 2000, its went up to 81% which was around 6,471,089 residents in 2000.
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 covers the main features of the data, such as the overall population growth and the shifting proportions between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the analysis is hampered by significant inaccuracies in data reporting. For example, the figures provided for Manhattan in 1900 and 2000 are inconsistent and confusingly presented. The summary of the 'other districts' is also mathematically imprecise. While the response attempts to highlight key trends, the lack of clarity in interpreting the tables means the information is not fully or accurately reported. To improve, ensure that data points are transcribed correctly and that comparisons are clearly linked to the provided figures.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is frequently interrupted by awkward phrasing and unclear referencing. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'in 2000' and 'around'. The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. While the reader can follow the general intent, the lack of smooth transitions and the inconsistent use of cohesive markers make the progression of ideas feel disjointed. Improving the use of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') would help create a more cohesive structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'slight hike', 'huge jammed', and 'increased of'. The phrasing 'it continue to fall down at 19%' is imprecise. While the student attempts to use some statistical terminology, the errors in collocation and word choice occasionally impede the clarity of the information. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'significant increase', 'proportion', or 'decline', and ensure that numbers are integrated into sentences more naturally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that affect readability. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'tables shows', 'density of population dramatically increase'), incorrect preposition usage, and sentence fragments. The structure of the sentences is often simplistic, and there is a lack of control over complex grammatical forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the placement of commas and the formatting of numbers. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring subjects and verbs agree, and proofreading for common errors in tense and word order.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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