Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-17
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 4.0)
In a given table demonstrate the total popuplation of new york city between 1800 and 2000. Where as the information represents the population of the manhattan, Brooklyn,Bronx, Queens, Staten island during the same time.
Overall, it is clear that in the first table shows the data changes in total population new york city by number of people per thousands.Although second and third table illustrates the data between five districts in percentages.
the data below shows the actual popuplation ofg new york cuty in 1800 is 79216. in 2000 the population increased by [redacted phone].in the year 1900 the total population is [redacted phone]. In which the data represent a single district manhattan between 1800 to 2000. the lasgest nember of population chage held in 1900 which is to 54% and population by [redacted phone].
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.0 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count of 150 words, standing at only 131 words, which significantly restricts the development of the task. While the student attempts to outline some figures from the tables, such as the total population in 1800 (79,216) and 2000 (8,009,185), the reporting is fragmentary and contains inaccuracies. For instance, the text states 'in 2000 the population increased by 8009185', which misinterprets the total figure as the increase amount. The selection of features is incomplete, and comparisons between the districts and the total population are underdeveloped. This performance corresponds to Band 4.0 descriptors due to the minimal and partially flawed engagement with the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0
The response is divided into four very short paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The introduction is poorly structured with grammatical fragments ('In a given table demonstrate...'), and the overall arrangement lacks cohesive flow. While basic cohesive devices such as 'Overall' and 'Although' are attempted, they are used incorrectly or mechanically. Referencing is often unclear, particularly when transitioning between the overall population data and the specific district data. Paragraphing is present, but the abrupt, fragmented nature of the sentences impedes clear communication. This aligns with Band 4.0, where information and ideas are not arranged coherently throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 4.0
Vocabulary usage is very basic and repetitive. The student attempts less common terms such as 'popuplation' (misspelled), 'illustrates', and 'district', but these are undermined by frequent spelling errors ('popuplation', 'cuty', 'lasgest', 'nember', 'chage') and awkward word choices. Words like 'demonstrate' and 'represent' are misused in context. There is little flexibility, and the frequent spelling mistakes occasionally strain the reader's understanding. This performance reflects Band 4.0 criteria, characterized by basic vocabulary and errors that impact readability.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0
The grammar is characterized by a very limited range of structures, with frequent basic errors. Simple sentences often contain structural flaws, such as missing subjects or verbs (e.g., 'In a given table demonstrate...'). There are severe punctuation and capitalization issues, such as lowercase letters for proper nouns ('new york city', 'manhattan', 'Brooklyn') and erratic spacing around punctuation. Complex structures are either absent or attempted with high error rates, meaning error-free sentences are very rare. This meets the criteria for Band 4.0, where errors are frequent and often distort meaning.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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