Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-27

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 three tables provide information about population across New York districts, over the time period from 1800 to 2000.

Overall, in New York the highest population was around [redacted phone] recorded in 2000. Besides, Manhattan district has 76% population in 1800 while, other districts had the lowest population roughly 24% in 1800.

To begin, the lowest population of New york was recoeded in 1800 nearly 79216. Moreover, in 1900 this figure will significantly increase to [redacted phone]. In addition, the Manhattan district covers almost 76% of the city population as compare to other four districts which insures only 24%.

On the other hand, Manhattan population was drastically decreased to 54% in 1900 which shows that the other districts population will greatly increase to 46%. Furthermore, in 2000 other districts nearly secure 81% of the city population. Additionally, the population of Manhattan was substantially declined to almost 19%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the data, noting the overall population growth from 1800 to 2000 and contrasting Manhattan with the other districts. An overview is present at the beginning of the second paragraph. However, the response fails to meet the minimum word length requirement of 150 words (containing only 145 words). Furthermore, some details are slightly inaccurate or awkwardly phrased, such as stating that the total population reached 8,009,185 in 2000 while missing finer nuances in the intermediate periods. Because the length requirement is not met and development is somewhat restricted, a Band 5.5 is appropriate.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay attempts a logical structure with an introduction, overview, and body paragraphs separated by cohesive devices such as 'To begin', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. However, paragraphing is somewhat choppy and the overall progression lacks seamless connection. Referencing is occasionally mechanical, and the logical flow between sentences can feel disjointed. Cohesive devices are sometimes overused or inaccurately applied relative to the context, placing this response firmly at Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student attempts less common vocabulary such as 'significantly increase', 'substantially declined', and 'drastically decreased'. However, there are notable lexical errors and unnatural word choices, such as 'insures only 24%' instead of 'account for' or 'comprises', and 'other districts nearly secure'. Spelling and word formation errors also appear, such as 'recoeded'. The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but inaccuracies in word choice and collocation prevent a higher score, making Band 5.5 a fair evaluation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but control over grammar is inconsistent. There are noticeable tense errors and modality confusions, such as 'this figure will significantly increase' when referring to historical data from 1800 to 1900, and 'other districts population will greatly increase'. Punctuation is generally acceptable, but frequent minor structural errors and awkward clause attachments cause some difficulty for the reader. These issues align with the descriptors for Band 5.0.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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