Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-29
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 chart shows the total population of New york from 1800 to 2000 and population of other cities.
In year 1800 population of New york city reaches at 79,216 and as we see the population of Manhattan in 1800 is 60,515 and as percentageof total population is 76% and population of other district in 1800 is 18,701 and its total percentage is 24%. As we see, the population of New york city in 1900 increase and reaches at 3,437,202 and in Manhattan city the tatal population reaches at 1,850,093 and percentage of total population is 54% which is higher than the past year 1800 and in other districts the population is 1,587,109 and percentage increase and reaches at 46%. In 2000 year, the population of New york city hit the 8,009,185 and the population of Manhattan in 2000 is 1,538,096 and the percentage of total population is 19% which is lower than the past year and in other districtst the population increased to 6,471,089 and percentage is 81%.
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 data presented in the tables regarding the total population of New York City and the breakdown between Manhattan and the other districts from 1800 to 2000. Key trends, such as the overall population growth and the shift in population dominance from Manhattan to the other districts, are successfully identified and supported with figures (e.g., 'population of Manhattan in 1800 is 60,515' and 'other districtst the population increased to 6,471,089'). However, the reporting relies heavily on listing raw numbers rather than synthesizing the information fluently, which limits the depth of comparison. Furthermore, there are minor transcription slips like referring to districts as 'other cities'. Overall, all parts of the task are addressed, earning a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The writing is presented as a single, massive block of text without paragraph breaks, which significantly hinders readability and organization. Cohesive devices are repetitive and overly simplistic, relying heavily on phrases like 'and as we see' and 'and in other districts'. There is a clear lack of paragraphing to separate the introduction, overview, and body details. Although there is a chronological progression from 1800 to 1900 and 2000, the lack of structural demarcation and mechanical cohesion keeps this criterion at a Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for a basic summary of data, employing terms like 'population', 'percentage', and 'districts'. However, there are numerous lexical and spelling inaccuracies, such as 'New york', 'districtst', and 'tatal', alongside repetitive phrasing ('population of...'). Attempts to use less common vocabulary are minimal, and the language lacks the precision and flexibility expected at higher bands. Word choices are sometimes awkward, such as referring to districts as 'other cities'. This performance aligns best with the descriptors for Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response features a very limited range of grammatical structures, consisting almost entirely of long, run-on sentences connected repeatedly by the conjunction 'and' (e.g., '...and in 2000 year, the population of New york city hit the 8,009,185 and the population of Manhattan in 2000 is 1,538,096 and...'). There are frequent punctuation errors, missing articles (e.g., 'In year 1800'), and tense inconsistencies. The reliance on simplistic and faulty complex structures means that communication is occasionally strained by the structural monotony and grammatical errors, justifying a Band 5.0.
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.