Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-25
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 very first table illustrates the total number of population in the new york city , while the second table describes the total population in numbers and in percentage as well and also the third table shows the total population of four districts of the city over the entire two centuries.
Overall, the first table in 1800, it displays very lowest amount of population in new york, while in 2000 it shows the highest number of people. However, given other tables shows the population of five districts of new york city.
The given table in which it describes the total population of new york city in the year of 2000 it shows the big amount of numbers in population which is approximately 8 million people at the same time in 1800 the numbers of population was very low approximately 79 thousand. On the other hand, the other two tables displays the population of five districts in the new york city. Manhatten displays the highest ratio which is 19% in the year of 2000. The 1.53 million people lives in Manhatten districts, while in the other table it shows the total number of population of four district and the highest was recorded in 2000 which is 6.4 million and also recorded the lowest population in 1800 which is 18,701 .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The response covers the main parts of the task by reporting key figures from the tables, such as the total population of New York City in 1800 (79,000) and 2000 (8 million), as well as Manhattan's percentage and population figures. However, the overview lacks clarity and fails to synthesise the broader trend effectively, notably missing the dramatic shift in population distribution between Manhattan and the other four districts over the two centuries. Some data points are awkwardly described or partially misinterpreted, such as stating 'Manhatten displays the highest ratio which is 19%' when 19% is actually the lowest point compared to earlier decades. Consequently, the task response sits at Band 5.5 due to under-developed comparisons and a weak overview.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The text is divided into four paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. However, logical progression is frequently hindered by clumsy referencing and a lack of cohesive devices. Sentences within paragraphs often feel disjointed, as seen in the second paragraph where the overview is fragmented ('Overall, the first table in 1800, it displays...'). Furthermore, referencing pronouns are sometimes ambiguous, making it difficult to follow the flow of comparisons. Paragraphing is attempted, but internal cohesion is mechanical and repetitive. This level of organisation aligns with Band 5.0 descriptors.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The student uses a basic and repetitive vocabulary range suitable for describing simple data, with frequent reliance on words like 'total', 'population', 'table', and 'displays'. There are noticeable lexical and spelling inaccuracies, such as 'Manhatten' (misspelled Manhattan) and awkward phrasing like 'very lowest amount of population' or 'big amount of numbers'. Less common lexical items are rarely attempted, and word choices occasionally cause confusion, such as referring to a percentage decrease as a 'highest ratio'. This vocabulary profile corresponds to a Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The essay displays a very limited range of grammatical structures. Simple sentences dominate, and attempts at complex structures frequently result in serious grammatical errors, run-on sentences, and faulty subordination, such as 'The given table in which it describes the total population... it shows the big amount...'. Punctuation and capitalisation errors are also prominent, including lowercase letters for proper nouns like 'new york'. Errors are frequent and often cause the reader some difficulty, matching the criteria for Band 5.0.
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