Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-04
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)
Table 1 illustrates the population of all the five districts of New York City from year 1800 to 2000. In 1800, the total population was 79,216, which is quite lesser. In 1900, the total population increased to 3,437,202, while in 2000, the total population exceeds to 8,009,185.
Table 2 shows the population and percantage of Mangattan district , while table 3 elaborates the other districts population percentage. In 1800 the total population of Manhattan was 60,155 with 76% proportion, while other districts has 18,701 with 24% of proportion which is quite less. In 1900, the Manhattan population was 1,850,093 with the ratio.of 54% while the other districts has the ratio of 46% of the totql population. Similarly, the 2000 data states that the Manhattan population is decreased to 19%, while other districts got increased by thr 81% of the total population.
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 task achievement score. While you have identified some main features, such as the total population growth and the shift in proportions between Manhattan and other districts, the analysis is quite superficial. You have not fully utilised the data provided for the five individual districts, and the overall summary lacks a clear overview of the trends. To improve, ensure you cover all parts of the prompt, provide a more detailed comparison of the data points, and always meet the minimum length requirement to avoid a penalty.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into two paragraphs, which is a logical structure for a short report. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. You use basic cohesive devices like 'In 1800' and 'Similarly', but the transition between the general population trends and the specific district percentages is abrupt. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as when you mention 'the ratio' without specifying what that ratio represents. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, perhaps by grouping the data more effectively to show the shift over time.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected at higher bands. There are several spelling errors, such as 'percantage', 'Mangattan', and 'totql', which distract the reader. Additionally, some word choices are unnatural, such as 'quite lesser' and 'exceeds to'. You rely on repetitive phrasing like 'total population' and 'proportion'. To improve, focus on using more varied vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'surged', 'accounted for', or 'experienced a decline', and ensure you proofread carefully to eliminate basic spelling mistakes.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempts at complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity, such as 'the total population exceeds to 8,009,185' and 'other districts has 18,701'. Subject-verb agreement is inconsistent, and the use of articles and prepositions is often incorrect. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of tense when describing historical data.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.