Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-22
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 1st table illustrates the total population changed from 1800 to 2000 in New York city while other 2 graphs demonstrated the division of population in 4 districts of the City.
Overall, the population subtantially increased over the years. The Manhattan district was most crowded in first 2 centuries relative to other 4 districts.However population decreased significantly in 21st century comparing to other districts.
In New York city, the total population was 79,216 in 1800 divided to Manhattan district with 60,515 and 18,701 people in other districts containing 76% and 24% ratio respectively.
In 1900, the population surged to 3,437,202 in New york city and about 1,850,093 people were in Manhattan with 54% proportion. Other districts had 1,587,109 people occupying 46%. The total number of people living in New York city rose dramatically to 8,009,185 in 2000. In Manhattan district the population fell significantly to 19% and other districts were prominent with 81% ratio. The population was 1,538,096 and 6,471,089 in Manhattan and other districts respectivily.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the total population and the five districts over the years 1800, 1900, and 2000. An overview is present in the second paragraph, highlighting the general population growth and the shifting dominance of Manhattan compared to the other districts. Key data points, such as the exact populations and percentages for Manhattan and the other districts, are appropriately selected and reported. However, there is a minor mischaracterisation in referring to the tables as 'graphs', and the analysis could have been extended slightly further with more detailed cross-comparisons. Overall, the requirements of Task 1 are met competently, earning a band score of 6.5.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, followed by an overview, and then detailed body paragraphs handling the data chronologically. Cohesive devices are used to link ideas, such as 'Overall', 'In New York city', and 'In 1900', though some transitions feel a bit mechanical or repetitive. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different time periods and analytical focuses. Referencing is mostly clear, although the distinction between Manhattan and the remaining four districts could be smoother. The overall arrangement is coherent and easy to follow, justifying a band score of 6.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common lexical items such as 'subtantially', 'surged', and 'prominent'. However, there are several spelling errors ('subtantially' instead of substantially, 'respectivily' instead of respectively) and minor inaccuracies in word choice or collocation. The phrase 'other 2 graphs' is inaccurate since the stimulus consists of tables rather than graphs. While the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main trends and data, the errors prevent the score from reaching a higher band. Therefore, a band score of 6.0 is appropriate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as subordinate clauses ('while other 2 graphs demonstrated...' and 'containing 76% and 24% ratio respectively'). There are several grammatical and punctuation errors throughout the text, including missing capitalization in 'New york city', a missing comma before 'However', and awkward prepositional phrases ('divided to Manhattan district'). Despite these errors, they rarely impede communication and the meaning remains clear. The grammatical control is representative of a solid Band 6.0 performance.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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