Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.0 · 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 4.0)
The first table illustrates changes in the total population of New York city from 1800 to 2000, The second and third data illustrates change in the population of the five districts of the city Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island over the same period
New York City first table
in 1800 year 79.216 population. 1900 year 3,437,202 population. 2000 year 8,009,185
In second table Manhattan
1800 year population is 60,515 and average is 76%. 1900 year population is 1,859,093 and average is 54%. 2000 year population is 1,538,096 and average is 19%.
In third table other districts.
1800 year population is 18,701 and average is 24%, in year 1900 population is 1,587,109 and average is 46%.in year 2000 year population is 7,471,089 and average is 91%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.0 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified some key data points from the tables, the report lacks a clear overview or summary of the main trends. The information is presented as a list of raw data rather than a cohesive analytical report. To improve, you must group the data logically, highlight the most significant changes (such as the massive growth in the 'other' districts compared to the decline in Manhattan's percentage share), and ensure the response is long enough to fully develop these points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0
The response lacks a logical structure. It is presented as a series of fragmented notes rather than a cohesive essay with paragraphs. There is a lack of cohesive devices to link the data points, making the text feel disjointed. To improve, you should use clear paragraphing (introduction, overview, and body paragraphs) and transition words such as 'whereas', 'in contrast', or 'subsequently' to guide the reader through the comparisons between the districts and the overall population growth.
Lexical Resource — Band 4.0
The vocabulary is very limited and repetitive, relying heavily on the words 'table', 'year', and 'population'. There is no attempt to use a range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'increased significantly', 'accounted for', or 'experienced a decline'. The phrasing is mechanical and lacks the flexibility required for an academic report. You should focus on learning verbs and nouns that describe statistical change to add variety and precision to your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0
The grammar is highly simplistic and contains frequent errors. Many sentences are incomplete or lack proper structure, such as 'In second table Manhattan 1800 year population is 60,515'. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the punctuation is inconsistent. The reliance on simple, repetitive sentence patterns limits your ability to convey information clearly. To improve, focus on using full, grammatically correct sentences and varying your sentence structure by combining related ideas.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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