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 given tables illustrates, how's the population of new York city changed between 1800 to 2000. In this discussion we discussed all the five district of new York population and describe the key features.
To begin with, the population of Manhattan is declined over the centuries. However, in 1800 the percentage of population was 76% and in 2000 it decreased to 19%. On the other hand the population of other districts of new York was continues raised over the centuries. Moreover, in 1800 the population of other districts was 24%. Furthermore, in 2000 the population pumped to 81% which was the huge change over two centuries.
If we compare over all population of the New York city over the centuries there was a significant increased in new York population. In addition, the population of New York city in 1800 was lower then the 2000. Manhattan was declined much as compare to others.
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 addresses the task but lacks sufficient detail. While it identifies the main trend of Manhattan's decline and the growth of other districts, it fails to incorporate the total population data provided in the first table. The analysis is somewhat superficial, relying on basic percentages rather than synthesizing the data effectively. To improve, you should ensure all parts of the prompt are covered, including the overall population figures, and provide more precise comparisons between the districts rather than grouping them as 'other districts'. The conclusion is repetitive and does not add new insight.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by repetitive phrasing and limited use of cohesive devices. While transition words like 'To begin with', 'However', and 'Moreover' are used, they are sometimes applied mechanically or incorrectly (e.g., 'In this discussion we discussed...'). The progression of ideas is somewhat disjointed, particularly in the final paragraph, which repeats information already stated. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear, distinct focus would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'changed', 'increased', and 'huge'. There are several word-choice errors, such as 'continues raised' instead of 'continued to rise' and 'pumped to' which is not appropriate for demographic data. The phrase 'significant increased' also shows a lack of control over word forms. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more precise academic vocabulary, such as 'fluctuated', 'surged', 'proportion', or 'demographic shift', and ensure correct collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The given tables illustrates'), incorrect verb tenses ('population is declined'), and misuse of comparative structures ('lower then the 2000'). The sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and the correct use of comparative and superlative forms.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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