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)
The tables illustrate about the population of New York, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island from 1800 to 2000. The changes are discussed in the upcoming paragraphs.
In First table, the population of New York city significantly from 79,216 to 3,437,202 in 1800 and 1900 respectively. Apart from that, after 100 years the population of New York city measured around 8,000,000. In which the population growth got increased by 5 lakhs from last 100 years.
The second and third table define record of pollution in Manhattan and other districts. In 1800, the population of Manhattan was higher than other districts by 50%. However, in 2000, the population of other districts were recorded higher than Manhattan, where the population of Manhattan decreases slightly by 30% than 1900.
Overall, the population in all cities and districts were increased in three years. But the Manhattan's population decreased in 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While the response attempts to summarise the data, the analysis is superficial and contains significant inaccuracies. For example, the statement that the population growth 'increased by 5 lakhs' is not supported by the data provided. Furthermore, the response confuses the data, referring to 'pollution' instead of population, and fails to provide a clear overview of the trends across the five districts. The comparison between Manhattan and other districts is vague and lacks the necessary precision required for an Academic Task 1 response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and often mechanical or misused, such as 'In First table' and 'Apart from that'. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the various districts. The final summary paragraph is very brief and does not effectively synthesise the information presented in the body paragraphs. Improved use of linking words and clearer signposting would help to create a more logical flow of information.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are significant errors in word choice, most notably the use of 'pollution' instead of 'population', which indicates a lack of attention to the task requirements. The use of '5 lakhs' is inappropriate for an international English test, as this is a regional numbering system. The vocabulary is generally basic and lacks the precision needed to describe statistical trends effectively. To improve, the student should focus on using more academic terminology related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'remained constant'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'The tables illustrate about the population' (incorrect verb usage), 'the population of New York city significantly from 79,216' (missing verb), and 'the population of other districts were recorded' (subject-verb agreement error). While there is an attempt to use complex sentence structures, these are often faulty. The punctuation is generally acceptable, but the overall control of grammar is weak, with errors occurring in almost every sentence. A focus on basic sentence construction and subject-verb agreement is necessary.
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