Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The first table illustrate the changes in the total population of New York city from 1800 to 2000. While The second and third tables indicate changes in the population of the five districts of the City ( Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period.
It is evident from the illustration that in 2000, New York City the largest proportion the total population stood at 8,009,185. The second largest proportion in 1900, the total citizen of the New York City at 3,437,202. while lowest proportion in 1800, at 79,216. Whereas the Manhattan in 2000, the largest proportion the total population of Manhattan was at 1,538,096 it accounted for 19% of the total population but percentage was lowest. this was followed by 1900, population at 1,850,093 made up 54% it increased from 2000, the lowest proportion represented at 76% of total population at 60,515 in 1800.
Turning to Other districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) in
2000, the largest proportion of population at 6,471,089 accounted for 81% of total population. Followed by, 1900, ranked second population at 1,587,109 made up 46% of total population. while, the lowest proportion represented at 24% population at 18,701 in 1800.
Overall, the largest proportion accounted for 2000 in New York City, Manhattan and Other districts except Manhattan while, 1900 was satable and the lowest proportion was in 1800 except Manhattan.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The student covers all parts of the task by reporting the total population figures alongside the Manhattan and other districts breakdowns from 1800 to 2000. Key features and comparisons are attempted, such as highlighting the massive growth of New York City and the shifting proportions between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the expression is frequently confusing and muddled, particularly when describing trends over time. For instance, the phrase 'it increased from 2000, the lowest proportion represented at 76% of total population at 60,515 in 1800' is chronologically confused and inaccurate in describing the data. While the correct data points are largely referenced, the lack of clarity in how they are presented prevents a higher band score.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response is divided into paragraphs, attempting an introduction, body paragraphs for the different data sets, and a brief overview. However, logical progression is severely disrupted by poor sentence structure, erratic punctuation, and misuse of cohesive devices. Words like 'while' and 'whereas' are frequently used as sentence-initial fragments rather than to connect clauses properly (e.g., 'while lowest proportion in 1800, at 79,216'). Referencing and referencing links within sentences often break down, making the overall organization difficult to follow, though an underlying structure of data grouping is visible.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is largely basic and repetitive, relying heavily on terms like 'proportion', 'population', and 'district'. There are several word-choice errors and awkward collocations, such as 'total citizen of the New York City' instead of population, and 'satable' instead of stable. Less common lexical items are attempted, but inaccuracies in form and usage are frequent. Spelling is generally acceptable, but the overall lexical control remains limited and occasionally causes confusion for the reader.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5
The response demonstrates a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying heavily on simple or awkwardly fused clauses. There are frequent, intrusive errors in basic grammar, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation. Examples include missing verbs (e.g., 'The first table illustrate'), incorrect prepositions, and fragmented sentences that lack main clauses (e.g., 'The second largest proportion in 1900, the total citizen of the New York City at 3,437,202'). These errors frequently strain the reader's understanding and impede smooth communication.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.