Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The table illustrate the change of total population of New York City between year1800 to 2000 and other districts of the city.
Overall crowed changes was increasing mode of population during 200 years in all districts apart from Manhattan in New York City.In total population there was forth times progressed in between 200 yeas time zone
in the Manhattan there was third of fourth parts crowded in year 1800 and same time zone other districts had one of fourth part .in further time in 1900 ,Manhattan had decrease rate of peoples by 22 percentage compared to past, while as other districts had increase rate by 22 percentage with [redacted phone] peoples
in addition 2000 with the total population of [redacted phone] of New York City ,among them very high decrease rate of Manhattan was only 19 percentage and other districts had very more progress rate 0f 81% was measured with [redacted phone] population at last
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 summarize the data but struggles with clarity and accuracy. While you identify the overall trend of population growth, the specific data points are often misinterpreted or poorly presented. For example, the statement that Manhattan had a 'decrease rate of peoples by 22 percentage' in 1900 is confusing and does not accurately reflect the table data. Furthermore, the comparison between Manhattan and the other districts is difficult to follow due to imprecise language. To improve, focus on selecting the most significant trends—such as the total population growth and the shift in population distribution—and ensure that the figures cited are clearly linked to the correct years and categories.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay lacks a clear structure. While there is an attempt at an introduction and body paragraphs, the progression of ideas is disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and often misused, such as 'in further time' or 'in addition 2000'. Paragraphing is present but does not effectively separate the different data sets, making the information feel cluttered. To improve, use clearer transition signals to link your sentences and ensure each paragraph has a distinct focus, such as one for the total population and another for the district comparisons.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and often inaccurate, which hinders the clarity of your report. Phrases like 'forth times progressed', 'third of fourth parts', and 'very more progress rate' are non-standard and difficult to interpret. There is a reliance on basic terms, and the misuse of words like 'crowed' (instead of 'crowded' or 'population') and 'percentage' (when referring to raw numbers) significantly impacts the quality of the response. You should focus on learning specific terminology for describing data, such as 'increased significantly', 'accounted for', and 'proportion'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that impede communication. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('The table illustrate'), incorrect article usage, and awkward sentence construction. Many sentences are fragmented or lack the necessary structure to convey complex comparisons clearly. For instance, 'in the Manhattan there was third of fourth parts crowded' is grammatically incorrect and confusing. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence structures, ensuring correct verb forms, and practicing the use of articles and prepositions. Reducing the number of errors in simple sentences should be your priority before attempting more complex structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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