Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-31
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 total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000 is shown in the first table; additionally, second and third table show changes in the population of the five districts of New York City.
In general, the total population of New York City increased multiple times between these years. The population of district Manhattan also increased many folds; however, this city`s contribution in total population decreased and the total population of other four districts also increased in parallel with their contribution in the total population of the city.
The New York city has an initial population of 79,216 in 1800 which multiplied around thrice in 1900 (3,437,202) and with near to same rate in 2000 reaching 8,009,185. The population of Manhattan increased 3 times in first century (1800 to 1900) and decreased in 2000; meanwhile, the percentage of total population deceased from 76% to 19% in 1800 to 2000.
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, such as the overall population growth and the shifting proportions of the districts. However, the analysis is somewhat limited. While you identify the growth of Manhattan and the total population, you fail to provide a comprehensive comparison of the other four districts, which are mentioned in the prompt but largely ignored in your analysis. The data for 1900 and 2000 is presented, but the trends for the other districts are not sufficiently detailed to fully satisfy the 'summarise' requirement. To reach a higher band, ensure that all key data points are represented and compared effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into three paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. There is a logical flow from the introduction to the general overview and then to the specific data points. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive. For example, the transition 'meanwhile' is used, but the connection between sentences could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, but the lack of sophisticated linking words makes the progression feel a bit disjointed. Improving the variety of cohesive devices would enhance the readability of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. You rely on basic descriptors like 'increased multiple times' and 'many folds'. While these are understandable, they are not particularly academic. There are also some minor issues with word choice, such as 'this city`s contribution in total population', which is slightly awkward. To improve, try to incorporate more precise terminology related to data trends, such as 'surged', 'fluctuated', or 'accounted for a significant proportion'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'second and third table' (missing articles), 'multiplied around thrice' (awkward phrasing), and 'deceased' instead of 'decreased'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to affect the overall quality. You should focus on subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and ensuring that complex sentences are constructed accurately to avoid these recurring slips.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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