Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The given table chart illustrates the population of New York city between 1800 to 2000. The tables shows population ratio in five district of New York.
Overall, the population of New York city inclined year by year. Moreover, district of New York states its own population.
To begin with, in 1800 the population of New York were 79,216. After a century its almost doubled. In 2000 the population were increased surprisingly with 8,009,185.
The residents of New York lived in five districts. In which Manhattan has highest population of New York. In 1800 residents of Manhattan were 76% and it falls gradually, till 2000 it remained only 19%. Other district, however had 24% in 1800. 46% population were in 1900 and it raised until 2000, which was 81%. This ratio is divided in four cities of New York, brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and staten island.
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 fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While you have identified the main trends, such as the overall population growth and the shift in population distribution from Manhattan to the other districts, the analysis is somewhat superficial. You have not fully utilised the data provided, particularly regarding the specific population figures for the other four districts. The overview is present but lacks sufficient detail to fully satisfy the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive summary of the data points and ensure the response meets the minimum length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive start. However, the logical flow between sentences is sometimes disjointed. For example, the transition between the general population growth and the district-specific data is abrupt. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often repetitive or used in a mechanical way, such as 'To begin with' and 'Moreover'. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when referring to 'Other district' without specifying which ones are being grouped. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring clear transitions between ideas will help improve the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and somewhat repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'inclined', 'increased', and 'falls'. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'population ratio' when referring to raw numbers, and 'four cities of New York' when the prompt refers to districts. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise vocabulary related to data description, such as 'surged', 'plummeted', or 'proportion'. Additionally, ensure that you use terminology consistent with the prompt, such as 'boroughs' or 'districts' rather than 'cities'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the response that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The tables shows', 'population of New York were 79,216') and awkward phrasing ('In which Manhattan has highest population'). While there is an attempt to use complex structures, they are often inaccurate. You should focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Proofreading for simple errors like 'district' vs 'districts' and ensuring consistent tense usage when describing historical data will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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