Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-24
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 Tables illustrate the aleration of popilations in the country of new york and their respective provinces from 1800 to 2000. Overall, it is clear that population is steadiliy increase from 18th century to 20th century and fluctuation occurs throughout this period. The largest account of the population lie in twenties like 8,009,185. By comapring the districts with each other, Manhattan has the 76% population that was the highest population during the period of 1800. While other remaining residents had only 18,701, represnting 24% of the total.By the 1900, Popultion has steadily risen 1,850,093 which is 54% of the total . Remaining districts would have 1,587,109 residents which is risen up. By comparisob of 2000, Manhttan population decraesed up to 19% while other districs risen up to 81%. In conclusion, New York experienced a enourmous population growth.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response attempts to summarise the main trends shown in the tables, noting the overall population growth in New York City from 1800 to 2000 and providing some figures for Manhattan versus the other districts. However, there are several inaccuracies in data reporting; for instance, the student states that Manhattan's population in 1800 was 'the highest population during the period of 1800' while misinterpreting percentages and numbers. Furthermore, the response falls short of the required 150-word minimum, containing only 137 words. Consequently, the task is addressed only partially, resulting in a Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response features an attempt at an introduction and a conclusion ('In conclusion, New York experienced a enormous population growth'). However, overall progression is hindered by poor paragraphing, as the text is presented in a single dense block instead of well-organised paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used awkwardly or repetitively (e.g., 'By comapring the districts', 'By the 1900', 'By comparisob of 2000'). Reference words and referencing are sometimes unclear, creating a mechanical flow. This level of organisation aligns with Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with numerous spelling and word-choice errors throughout the text (e.g., 'aleration' instead of alteration, 'popilations', 'steadiliy', 'enourmous', 'decraesed'). The student attempts some less common vocabulary such as 'provinces' and 'fluctuation', but these are often used inappropriately or inaccurately. While the basic message is conveyed, the frequent lexical errors restrict the response to Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex structures, but control over grammar is weak. There are frequent errors in verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and prepositions (e.g., 'population is steadiliy increase', 'fluctuation occurs', 'Manhattan has the 76% population', 'Population has steadily risen 1,850,093'). Sentence structures are often faulty when attempting complexity. Punctuation is also erratic. These errors cause some difficulty for the reader and reflect a Band 5.0 performance.
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