Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-02

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 given information about how many people resided in New York city over period of 1800 to 2000. The table also compare of the number of the citizens in the five neighborhoods of the city during the period given.

Overall, the total population of New York city increase dramatically between 1800 to 2000. And Manhattan was most populate area in beginning, however in the end of the period vast majority of people start living in other four districts of the city making Manhattan.

Looking at the table we see that the population of New York city increase the total population of New York city was 79,216 and after dramatically increase population reach at 8,009,185 till 2000.

On the other hand number of residents in Manhattan was 60,515 in 1800 which is equal to 76%

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main trend of population growth, the response is incomplete and cuts off abruptly mid-sentence. You have not provided a full summary of the data for all districts, nor have you made sufficient comparisons across the entire period. To improve, ensure you cover all parts of the prompt, including a clear overview and detailed supporting data for each category, while ensuring the response is of sufficient length to fully develop your ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organized into short paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by the incomplete nature of the text. Cohesive devices are used in a very basic and repetitive manner (e.g., 'Looking at the table', 'On the other hand'). The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as the phrase 'making Manhattan' which lacks a logical conclusion. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words to connect your ideas more fluidly and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, complete focus that contributes to the overall summary.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'increase' and 'number'. There are errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'most populate area' instead of 'most populated area' and 'the table given information' instead of 'the table gives information'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands. You should focus on using more precise academic vocabulary, such as 'surged', 'fluctuated', or 'accounted for', to describe the data more effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including issues with verb tense ('increase' instead of 'increased'), article usage ('in beginning' instead of 'in the beginning'), and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack necessary components, such as 'The table given information about...'. The range of structures is very limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles, and attempt to incorporate more complex sentence structures like relative clauses or passive voice.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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