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 given table illustrate the total changes in of population of New York City in the time period of 200 years. The other 2 tables indicate the several changes in 5 major districts at same period of time.
As we notice the population of New York City in 18's is round about 79,216 as compare to 2000 the population in 2000 is 8,009,185 which create a big difference is population increase,
Now let me describe the percentage of the districts (Manhattan) the population in 1800 is 76% and after 200 years the percentage is 19%. Here we can see the big difference in population.
Now we will indicate the third table of some other districts like Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island. The population of this districts in 1800 is 12,701 which is 24% on the other hand, the population in 2000 is 6,471,089 which is 81%. Here we can see the huge differences in the time period of 200 years.
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 summarise the data but fails to provide a clear overview or highlight the most significant trends. The information is presented in a fragmented way, focusing on isolated data points rather than comparing the growth patterns across the districts. The description of the data is often inaccurate or lacks the necessary precision required for an Academic Task 1 report. For example, the grouping of the four districts is handled confusingly, and the analysis does not effectively contrast the rapid growth of the outer boroughs against the relative decline in Manhattan's percentage share. To improve, you must identify the main trends and group data logically rather than listing figures.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'Now let me describe' or 'Here we can see'. These phrases are informal and do not serve to link ideas effectively. Referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the tables. The transition between the total population data and the district-specific data is abrupt. To improve, use a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'In contrast', 'Furthermore', 'Consequently') and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus that guides the reader through the data.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'big difference' and 'changes'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as '18's' (which is not a standard way to refer to the 1800s) and 'the given table illustrate' (subject-verb agreement error). The language lacks the precision needed to describe statistical trends, such as 'increase', 'decline', 'fluctuate', or 'proportion'. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more academic vocabulary related to data analysis and ensure that you use words in their correct context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'table illustrate', 'population... is 79,216 as compare to'), incorrect preposition usage, and awkward sentence structures. The writing relies mostly on simple sentences, and attempts at more complex structures are often marred by errors. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with commas used where full stops are required. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that subjects and verbs agree, and practicing the correct use of comparative structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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