Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-08
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 charts illustrates the alterations in proportions of population of New York City and five districts of the city namely Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island over the same period of time.
Overall, It is clear that City population increases over the years Meanwhile the district proportion of Manhattan elevates initially and then drop down again. In addition, the others 4 districts population ration rise with the passage of time.
In 1800 year, individuals ratio accounts for smaller proportion. In 1900 year, residents made up significantly larger than previous year.And in 2000 year, the citizens ratio got drastically surge as compare to last years.
According to the district wise ratio of Manhattan, first population made up the largest section of percentage. Second one accounts for higher than the year of 1800. Next, again drastic decline in the ratio is observed in population of Manhattan.
Other districts proportion is low in 1800 year ,followed by the rise in the next years by the amount of 46 to 81 percent.
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 clearly report the main features. The description of the population trends is vague, using terms like 'drastically surge' and 'larger than previous year' without referencing the actual figures provided in the tables. The comparison between the districts is also unclear, as the student refers to 'the others 4 districts' and 'the amount of 46 to 81 percent' without explaining what these figures represent or how they relate to the specific districts. To improve, you must select key data points (e.g., the total population in 1800 vs 2000) and use them to support your observations.
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 inaccurate, such as 'In addition, the others 4 districts population ration rise'. Referencing is often unclear; for example, it is difficult to follow which district is being discussed in the fourth paragraph. The transition between the general population trends and the district-specific data is abrupt. Using a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'whereas') would help improve the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'proportions of population' instead of 'population figures' and 'individuals ratio' instead of 'population size'. The phrase 'got drastically surge' is grammatically incorrect and imprecise. You should aim to use more academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'accounted for a significant proportion'. Spelling is generally accurate, but the range of vocabulary is insufficient to convey the information with precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('The table charts illustrates', 'population increases'), article usage ('the others 4 districts'), and sentence structure ('residents made up significantly larger than previous year'). The range of structures is limited, relying mostly on simple sentences. To reach a higher band, you need to demonstrate better control over complex sentence structures and ensure that your verb tenses and pluralization are consistent throughout the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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