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)
According to the table and the data the total population of new York city from 1800 to 2000.
In 1800 the total population of New York city is 79216 and the population of Manhattan is 60515 and its 76% of the total population of the New York .on the other the population of other cities like Brooklyn , Bronx , Queens , staten Island is 18701 its 24% of total population. .
In 1900 the population New York is [redacted phone] and the population Manhattan is [redacted phone] and the percentage of Manhattan 54% Of the total population New York city and the population of other 4 cities Brooklyn , Bronx ,Queens , Staten Island population is [redacted phone] and the percent is 46% of total population of New York city
In 2000 the population New York is [redacted phone] and the population of Manhattan is [redacted phone] and its 19% of total population of New York. On the other hand the population of other cities Brooklyn, Bronx , Queens , Staten Island population is [redacted phone] and the percentage is 81% of the total population
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 identifies the main trends in population growth and provides relevant data points for the three years specified. However, the report lacks an overview or summary of the overall trends, which is a requirement for a high band score in Task 1. The writing is essentially a list of data points rather than an analytical summary. While the key features are present, the lack of a clear introduction or concluding overview means the response does not fully address the requirements of the task. The comparison between Manhattan and the other districts is noted, but the analysis remains superficial.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organised chronologically by year, which provides a basic logical structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is very limited and repetitive. The text relies heavily on simple sentence structures and lacks effective linking words to connect ideas within or between paragraphs. Paragraphing is present but the transitions between the data points are mechanical and lack flow. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the overall progression of information feels like a list of statistics rather than a cohesive report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'population', 'total', and 'percentage'. There is little attempt to use a range of vocabulary to describe trends or changes (e.g., 'increased', 'declined', 'surpassed', 'accounted for'). The phrasing is often awkward, such as 'other cities like Brooklyn', when referring to districts of a single city. The lack of variety in word choice restricts the ability to convey the information with precision or sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response consists almost entirely of simple sentences. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, which limits the grammatical range. Punctuation is inconsistent, with missing commas and unnecessary periods, such as the double period at the end of the second paragraph. There are frequent errors in basic grammar, including missing articles ('the New York city') and incorrect verb usage ('the population... is 79216' instead of 'was'). These errors are frequent and occasionally make the text difficult to read, though the overall meaning remains clear.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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