Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-06
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 graph illustrates first table shows Population of New York city However second, Third table shows Population of five districts of the city from 1800 to 2000.
Overall, The Three table graph given data as first table total population was changed in new York city in all five districts not only but also finish with Second and third tables districts such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island in the period of 1800 to 2000.
Begin with New York city in all five districts population in the year of 1800 population is 79,216, in 1900 the population rise to nearly 3,500,000 but also not only 2000 the population grow to 8,009,185.
Secondly Manhattan has population and as per total population in one district in the year of 1800 60,000 and 76% in the 1900 it was fall to 54% and lastly in 2000 more drop to 19% compare with total population.
terminate with other four districts compare with total five districts population it was in 1800 year it was 24% and in the 1900 it was expand to 46% in 2000 Furthermore to 81%.
In the four districts the population was surge in one district Manhattan has reduction.
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 attempts to address the task by summarizing the provided tables; however, it fails to clearly identify and report the main features. The overview is confusing and lacks a clear summary of the trends. While the student mentions the total population and the shift in proportions for Manhattan versus the other districts, the data is presented in a fragmented way. The comparison between the districts is underdeveloped, and the lack of clarity in the data presentation makes it difficult for the reader to grasp the overall trends. To improve, focus on grouping data logically and highlighting the most significant changes, such as the rapid growth of the outer districts compared to the relative decline in Manhattan's share.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is weak. The use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or incorrect, such as 'Begin with', 'Secondly', and 'terminate with', which do not function well as transitions in this context. The referencing is frequently unclear, making it difficult to follow the relationship between the sentences and the data. The overall structure lacks a cohesive progression, and the sentences often feel disconnected from one another. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus would significantly enhance the coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, often relying on basic terms like 'rise', 'grow', 'fall', and 'drop'. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and incorrect word choice, such as 'The table graph illustrates first table shows' and 'the population was surge'. The student struggles to use precise terminology to describe statistical trends or proportions. To achieve a higher band, the student should incorporate a wider range of academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'accounted for', 'experienced a decline', 'proportion', and 'significant increase', while ensuring these are used in the correct grammatical context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that often impede communication. There are significant issues with sentence structure, including run-on sentences and fragments. Examples include 'The table graph illustrates first table shows Population of New York city However second, Third table shows...' and 'not only but also finish with'. Verb tense usage is inconsistent, and there are frequent errors in article usage and preposition placement. The range of grammatical structures is very limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences with errors. A focus on basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and correct punctuation is essential for improvement.
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.

