Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-13
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 first table provides data on the increase in the overall population of New York city from the year 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables provide specific district's total percentage population from 1800 to 2000.
Overall, it is evident that the population has showed an upward trend from the years 1800 to 2000. In the year 2000, the population has increased to 7,929,969 as compared to the year 1800.
The second and third tables highlight the contribution of the district Manhattan and other districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island) to overall change in population of New York city. In the year 1800, Manhatten plays a major part of 76% to total population as compared to other districts which have together contributed to 18,701 (that is 24%).
In the year 1900, the overall Manhattan population percentage has decreased to 54% whereas, other districts have rose to 46% showing a hike of 22% in population increase from 1800s.
In the year 2000, the other districts have recorded the most contribution percentage population to New York city of a total to 6,471,089 whereas Manhattan has recorded the least percentage contribution as compared to 1800s and 1900s of only 19%.
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 student successfully addresses the main task requirements by summarising the overall population growth of New York City and reporting key features regarding the districts from 1800 to 2000. An overview is provided, noting the upward trend in overall population. However, some data points and comparisons lack precision or are slightly confused, such as the misinterpretation of absolute figures versus percentages in paragraph three where '18,701' is cited as a combined contribution of other districts. While the key features are captured, the development is somewhat hindered by inaccuracies in reporting specific data and numbers. Therefore, this performance aligns closely with Band 6.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is structured into an introduction, an overview, and three body paragraphs, showing a coherent overall arrangement. Paragraphing is generally logical, grouping ideas by time periods and districts. However, cohesive devices and referencing are at times faulty or mechanical. For instance, transitional phrases feel repetitive, and expressions like 'the other districts have rose' or linking sentences across paragraphs lack smooth progression. Referencing between the tables' percentages and absolute numbers is occasionally unclear. Overall organisation is present, but cohesion features minor mechanical flaws, placing it at Band 6.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with appropriate attempts at terms such as 'upward trend', 'percentage population', and 'contribution percentage'. However, there are noticeable lexical inaccuracies and awkward word choices, such as 'total percentage population' and 'have rose' (incorrect form of rise). The student attempts less common vocabulary but lacks full control over collocation and precise meaning. Spelling is generally accurate, but limitations in the range and precision of vocabulary restrict the score to a Band 5.5, rounded to 6.0 for adequate task communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'In the year 1800, Manhatten plays a major part of 76% to total population as compared to other districts which have together contributed to 18,701'. However, there are several grammatical errors and tense inconsistencies throughout the text, including tense shifting ('plays' instead of played, 'has showed', 'has increased', 'have rose'). Punctuation is basic but mostly functional. Although these errors do not severely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent the grammar score from reaching Band 6.5.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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