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 given table compares the difference in the population of New York with every passing year. Intially, in the Table no. 1, the overall population of New York city including all five district was 79,216. Furthermore, the population shows an immense increase in 2000 by 3,437,212. As we move forward the population was 8,009,185 showing a tremendous uplifting in the year 2000.
The Table no. 02 demonstrates the average percentage contribution of Manhattan city in the overall population of New York within the same years. In 1800, the Manhattan's population contributed excessively with the rising percentage of 76%. In 1900, it was slightly lower with only 54%. In 2000, Manhattan contributed only 19% showing a devastating decrese and shows the least value.
The table no. 03 compares the population contribution of other districts as compared to Manhattan in the overall population of New York. In 1800, it was barely 19% showing the lowest value than the rise caused by the Manhattan districts. In 1900, it was twice the previous year showing 46%. In 2000, it increased the most showing the highest contribution in the overall population by 81%.
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 tables, but the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you correctly identify the overall population growth and the shifting percentages between Manhattan and the other districts, the interpretation of the data is occasionally inaccurate. For instance, you describe the population change in 2000 as a 'devastating decrease' for Manhattan, which is an emotive and inaccurate interpretation of a percentage share shift. Additionally, the data points selected are sometimes confusingly presented, such as the reference to 'Table no. 1' and 'Table no. 02', which makes the report feel like a list of observations rather than a cohesive summary of trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which is a logical structure for this task. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or slightly unnatural. Phrases like 'As we move forward' and 'Furthermore' are used to link sentences, but the connection between ideas is sometimes weak. The referencing is also slightly repetitive, with each paragraph starting with a direct reference to the table number. To improve, you should focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the progression of ideas flows more smoothly between sentences and paragraphs.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but there are instances of imprecise word choice and awkward collocations. For example, 'tremendous uplifting' is not a standard way to describe population growth, and 'devastating decrese' (spelled incorrectly) is inappropriate for a neutral data report. You rely on basic descriptors like 'immense increase' and 'lowest value'. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more precise academic vocabulary, such as 'significant growth', 'proportionate decline', or 'accounted for', and ensure that your spelling is accurate throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'Manhattan city' (Manhattan is a borough, not a city), 'lowest value than the rise', and 'it increased the most showing the highest contribution'. These errors, while not preventing communication, occur frequently enough to impact the overall fluency. You should focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of comparative structures to improve your accuracy and range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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