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 given table illustrate changes in total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000 which includes all five districts. Whereas second and third table states the changes in population of five districts of the city which are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island in 1800 to 2000.
Overall, its evidence from the tables that population
has declined in Manhattan, however in other districts
there is a significant increase in the population.
In 1800, Manhattan has the highest population that is 76% when compare to other districts which includes 24% of population. Which the total of 79,216 in New York. Although in 1900 to 2000 there is dramatically decline in the population of Manhattan. Other districts increased population from 1,587,109 to 6,471,089 till 2000..
The total population is calculated with the years and population percentage, in 1800 there was only 79,216, but in 1900 its triple and more when compare to 1800's that is 3,437,202. Additionally,
the population in 2000 rose to 8,009,185
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 student covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the population changes in New York City and its districts between 1800 and 2000. There is an overview present, noting the contrasting trends between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the data interpretation contains inaccuracies and confusion regarding the figures. For instance, the student states that Manhattan's population declined between 1800 and 2000 from 76% to 19%, but in absolute terms, Manhattan's population actually grew from 60,515 to 1,538,096 (though its percentage share dropped). Additionally, the phrasing 'population has declined in Manhattan' misinterprets the absolute numbers. Overall, the task is addressed, but the analysis is somewhat superficial and contains data misreadings, fitting Band 5.0 descriptors.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response is organised into multiple paragraphs, attempting an introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. However, logical progression is frequently disrupted by awkward referencing and mechanical cohesive devices. For example, sentences such as 'Which the total of 79,216 in New York' and 'Although in 1900 to 2000 there is dramatically decline' lack proper connection to the surrounding context. Paragraphing is attempted, but some paragraphs are extremely short and disjointed, such as the final single-sentence paragraph. While there is an overall structure, the lack of smooth transitions and faulty cohesion place this response firmly in Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for communicating the basic trends, employing words such as 'population', 'districts', 'increase', and 'decline'. However, there is a limited and repetitive range, alongside noticeable word-choice and word-form errors, such as 'table illustrate' (instead of illustrates), 'its evidence' (instead of it is evident), and 'dramatically decline' (instead of dramatic decline). Less common vocabulary is attempted with frequent inaccuracy, preventing the writer from achieving a higher band. These errors cause some slight strain for the reader, aligning with Band 5.0 lexical criteria.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but control is weak, leading to frequent grammatical errors and non-sentences. Examples include sentence fragments like 'Which the total of 79,216 in New York' and subject-verb agreement errors like 'Manhattan has the highest population that is 76% when compare'. Punctuation errors are also present, such as double periods ('2000..'). Attempts at complex structures are often faulty, and the high frequency of errors across sentences causes difficulty for the reader, corresponding to the Band 5.0 descriptors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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