Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-11
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 5.5)
The assigned tabular charts represent the number of population New York and five diffrent districts such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island between 1800 and 2000.
Overall, it is evident that the population of New York increased and the population of Manhattan fluctuated throughout the given period.
As per the charts, in 1800 the population of New York was 79,216 which grew to 3,437,202 in 1900 . Similarly, the population of New York was 8,009,185 in 2000. Whereas, the population of Manhattan was 76%, 54% and 19% from total population in 1800, 1900 and 2000. However, the population of Manhattan grew from 60,515 to 1,850,093 in 1900. Despite having an increament the population of manhattan fell to 1,538,096 in 2000.
Furthermore, the population of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island rose dramatically from 18,701 to 6,471,089 between 1800 and 2000. The population was 18,701, 1,587,109 and 6,471,089 in 1800, 1900 and 2000. The percentage was 24%, 46% and 81% from 1800 and
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the data, including the overall population growth and the shifting proportions of the districts. However, the analysis is incomplete. The final sentence is cut off, and the data for the four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island) is grouped together rather than highlighting the distinct trends for each, which is a key requirement for a task involving multiple tables. While the main trends are identified, the lack of a complete conclusion and the grouping of distinct data points limit the depth of the analysis. To improve, ensure all data points are fully presented and that you provide a clear, complete summary of the trends for each category.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. There is a basic attempt at using cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'As per the charts', and 'Furthermore'. However, the progression of ideas is sometimes hindered by the abrupt ending of the final paragraph. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as when referring to the 'percentage' without specifying which data set is being discussed. To improve, ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and that you use a wider variety of linking words to connect your sentences more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the data trends. There are some spelling errors, such as 'diffrent' and 'increament', and some awkward phrasing like 'from total population'. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic terms like 'increased' and 'grew'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'surged', 'plummeted', 'accounted for', or 'constituted', and ensure that your spelling is accurate throughout the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'number of population New York' (should be 'population of New York') and '76%, 54% and 19% from total population' (should be 'accounted for 76%... of the total population'). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but there are minor issues with spacing before periods. While the errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to affect the overall clarity of the report. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage will help improve your score in this area.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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