Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-28
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 first illustrate the total population changes in New York city from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables shows changes in population of the five districts of the city such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island over the same period.
Based on first table, in the year 1800 the total population of New york city was only 79,216. After that, it was heavily increased about 3,437,202 in the year 1900. In the year 2000 it was doubled up about 8,009,185 population.
The second table shows only Manhattan city population and third table shows remains other city's population. In year 1800, Manhattan population were about 60,515 which is more higher than other four districts population which was only 18,701.The year 1900, there were not a big difference in their population. Manhattan total population was 54% and other districts populstion was 46%. But, in the year 2000 the population percentage goes upside down. The big change happened. The manhattan city population were dropped toward only 19% vice versa the other four districts population grown up about 81%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The student addresses all parts of the prompt by reporting the main features of the total population data alongside the figures for Manhattan and the other districts from 1800 to 2000. Key data points are correctly cited, such as the total population growing from 79,216 in 1800 to 8,009,185 in 2000, and the shift in percentage share between Manhattan and the other four boroughs. However, the response lacks a clear overview paragraph summarising the overarching trend—such as the massive overall population growth and the demographic shift away from Manhattan. Furthermore, some phrasing is slightly repetitive. This performance aligns best with Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The response is arranged into logical paragraphs separating the introduction, the total population data, and the district breakdown. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the data, such as 'Based on first table,' 'After that,' and 'In the year 2000.' However, referencing and transitions are at times mechanical or awkward, as seen in 'The second table shows only Manhattan city population and third table shows remains other city's population.' Paragraphing is present, but overall progression and cohesion exhibit some faults. This satisfies the criteria for Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The student attempts a range of vocabulary relevant to the task, including terms like 'percentage,' 'population,' and 'districts.' However, there are numerous lexical inaccuracies and awkward word choices throughout the text, such as 'The first illustrate' instead of 'illustrates,' 'heavily increased' instead of 'increased significantly,' and 'grown up' instead of 'grown' or 'increased.' Words are occasionally misused or non-standard, such as 'remains other city's population' and 'goes upside down.' This range and level of control are characteristic of Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response includes a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting comparative structures and relative clauses. However, grammatical errors are frequent and persist across the text. Examples include subject-verb agreement errors ('tables shows'), missing articles ('the first illustrate', 'Based on first table'), incorrect comparative forms ('more higher'), and awkward prepositions or tense usage ('Manhattan population were about 60,515'). While these errors rarely impede overall comprehension, they lower the accuracy level significantly. This corresponds to a Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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