Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-01
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 presents the variation in the number of population of New work City between 1800 to 2000.while, second and third tables compares the change in five different districts (Manhattan,Brooklyn,Bronx,Queens,Staten Island).
Overall,the New York City population will be increased over the period.Meanwhile, Manhattan distict population percentage declined and remaining four districts proportion will be increased over the years.
In 1800 year New york city population in all the five cities 79,216.Later on 1900 and 2000 years triple the population 3,437,202 to 8,009,185.Change in five different cities one of the Manhattan as 1800 year in 60,515 pollution and 76% proportion.Years passing in 2000 year rise in pollution 1,538,096 but drops in 19% percentage.
Other districts of City in 1800 year pollution 18,701 and 24% percentage.over the years increased in 2000 year pollution of 6,471,089 and percentage also rose in 81%.
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 fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main trends—the overall population growth and the shift in district proportions—the analysis is underdeveloped. You have attempted to report data from the tables, but the presentation is fragmented and lacks a clear, analytical focus. The summary of the data is incomplete, and the failure to reach the word count means the task is not fully addressed. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview of the data and include more detailed comparisons between the districts to meet the length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical flow is often disrupted by awkward phrasing and a lack of cohesive devices. Transitions between sentences are mechanical, such as 'Later on' and 'Years passing in', which do not effectively link ideas. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the progression of the data. To improve, use a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') to connect your sentences and paragraphs more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
Your vocabulary is quite limited and contains several errors that impede clarity. For example, you use the word 'pollution' repeatedly when you clearly mean 'population'. This is a significant lexical error that affects the accuracy of your report. Other phrases like 'triple the population' are used incorrectly in context. To reach a higher band, you must use vocabulary accurately and avoid confusing similar-sounding words. Focus on learning specific terminology related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'percentage', 'fluctuation', and 'trend'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that make the text difficult to read. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'tables compares'), incorrect tense usage (e.g., 'population will be increased'), and missing articles. Sentence structures are generally simple and often lack the necessary complexity to demonstrate a higher level of control. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing spaces after commas. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction and proofread your work to correct simple errors in verb tense and article usage.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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