Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-05
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)
Given table charts illustrate the information related to the changes in the total population of New York city from 1800 to 2000 and second and third table charts depicts changes in the populace of the five districts of the city over the same period.
Overall, it is evident that the total population of the changes most in 2000 of New York , whereas the changes in the total population show least interest in 1800 year of New York .
To begin with, the first table chart showcase new York city total population in 1800 was 79,216 as against 3,437,202 in 1900 and 8,009,185 in 2000. While 60,515 new York city total population changes in 1800, 1,850,093 in 1900 and 1,538,096 in 2000.
In detail, the third table chart show data for other districts population changes of 18,701 in 1800,1587,109 in 1900 and 6,471,089 in 2000, representing 24%,46%and 81% respectively of the total new York populace during given period.
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 attempts to address the task but fails to provide a clear or accurate summary of the data. The overview is confusing, stating that the population shows 'least interest' in 1800, which is an incorrect interpretation of the data. Furthermore, the body paragraphs contain significant inaccuracies in reporting the figures; for example, the figures provided for the 'other districts' do not align with the provided tables. The response lacks a clear comparison of the five districts, focusing instead on a confusing breakdown of total figures. To improve, you must accurately extract data and provide a clear, logical summary of the trends rather than listing raw numbers without context.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inappropriate, such as 'In detail,' which does not effectively introduce the following information. The referencing is often unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the relationship between the figures and the districts. The overview is poorly integrated, and the transition between the general population data and the specific district data is abrupt. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear, singular focus would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'populace of the changes' and 'show least interest,' which do not convey the intended meaning. The term 'populace' is used incorrectly in this context, as it refers to the people themselves rather than the population count. To achieve a higher band, you should focus on using more precise vocabulary related to data description, such as 'fluctuated,' 'surpassed,' or 'accounted for,' and ensure that your word choices are contextually appropriate for an academic report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'table charts illustrate... and second and third table charts depicts'), missing articles, and awkward sentence structures. The attempt at complex sentences is often faulty, leading to confusion. For instance, the sentence 'While 60,515 new York city total population changes in 1800...' is grammatically incomplete and unclear. You should focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring correct verb forms, and using articles appropriately before attempting more complex structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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