Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-07
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 rendered table illustrates the information about the population of New york city from 1800 to 2000. As well as another table elucidates the information about the five districts of the city over
the same period. The data is calibrated in the thousands and the percentage.
After taking the statistical data into account, it may infer that the highest count of population of the 2000 which was noticed as 8,009,185, followed by the unit of population during 1900 recorded as 3,437,202. However, only 79,216 population in 1800 year in given time period.
Turning towards the rest of details, it can be clearly seen that in Manhattan district, 76%,54% and 19% of total population were indulged in 1800,1900 and 2000 respectively. Furthermore, more than five tenth of population had accounted for during 1800 year. In addition to this, half difference of 40% had been observed in 1900 and
2000.
Overall, it is readily apparent that the maximum population was observed in 2000 Whereas, the population recorded in 1800 during all years.
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 summarize the data but fails to provide a clear overview or accurately report the main features. The description of the population data is confusing, and the analysis of the district percentages is inaccurate and poorly explained. For instance, the statement 'half difference of 40% had been observed' is unclear and does not reflect the data provided in the tables. Furthermore, the final summary sentence is incomplete and fails to synthesize the trends effectively. The response lacks a logical selection of key features, focusing instead on isolated, poorly interpreted figures, which prevents a full achievement of the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is disjointed. While some cohesive devices are used, such as 'Furthermore' and 'In addition to this', they are often applied mechanically or to connect ideas that lack logical flow. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly in the third paragraph where the connection between the percentages and the districts is confusing. The overall structure is present, but the lack of clear logical development between sentences and paragraphs hinders the reader's ability to follow the information easily.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and sometimes inappropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'indulged in' are incorrectly used to describe population distribution, and 'calibrated in' is used inaccurately. There is also a tendency to use repetitive phrasing. While the student attempts to use some topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., 'statistical data', 'percentage'), the lack of precision and the misuse of words like 'indulged' significantly impact the clarity of the report. To improve, the student should focus on using more precise terminology related to data description and trends.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with sentence structure, such as 'it may infer that the highest count of population of the 2000 which was noticed as 8,009,185', which is syntactically incorrect. Punctuation is also problematic, particularly the use of commas in '76%,54% and 19%'. While there is an attempt at complex structures, they are often faulty. The control of basic grammar is inconsistent, and the errors are frequent enough to be noticeable throughout the text.
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