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 table provides information on total population has developed in New York City from 1800 to 2000 whereas, remaining tables compares the proportion of population of the five districts of the city.

Overall, Significantly the population in the New York city has grown. The population of manhattan covered most population than remaining four cities and in 20 century all four cities are crossed population of manhattan city.

In 1800, residents of New York City has 79,216 over the years it has increased approximately four times of city population and finally in 20 century people expanded by 8,009,185 which is double the 19 century population. In 18 century, manhattan city had one by third population are staying wheresa remaining people occupied the all four cities.

In 19 century, nearly half of the people which are 1,850,093 living in the manhattan city which the society people had decreased by 22% comparing to 18 century. the remaining 46% of people living in four cities whereas population has doubled. In 2000, manhattan has account for 19% only having least share. By the time all four cities had expand to the 81% of peoples are staying.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The student attempts to address the task by summarizing the main features of the population tables, providing an overview and some specific data points. However, there are significant factual inaccuracies in the interpretation of the data. For instance, the writer states that in the 20th century 'all four cities are crossed population of manhattan city,' which is confused; moreover, the numbers cited contain errors, such as misinterpreting the total population growth and percentages. While an overview is attempted, the lack of precision and misreading of the tabular data pull the response down to Band 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response is organized into paragraphs with an introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. However, logical progression is hindered by awkward transitions and confusing references. Phrases like 'whereas, remaining tables compares' and 'By the time all four cities had expand' disrupt the flow and make it difficult to follow the comparison between Manhattan and the other districts. Cohesive devices are used mechanically or inaccurately, and paragraphing is underdeveloped. These issues place the response firmly in the Band 5.0 category.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is limited and repetitive, with frequent word choice and collocation errors, such as 'total population has developed' instead of 'grew' or 'changed,' and 'manhattan city had one by third population are staying.' Words are often misused grammatically or lexically, e.g., 'expand' instead of 'expanded' or 'account for' used incorrectly. There is little control over less common vocabulary, restricting the lexical score to Band 4.5, rounded to 5.0 based on basic adequacy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.0

Grammatical control is weak throughout the text. The student relies mostly on simple and flawed complex structures, resulting in frequent errors that impede understanding. Examples include tense confusion ('residents of New York City has 79,216'), missing prepositions, and incorrect verb forms ('all four cities are crossed'). Punctuation is also erratic, with inconsistent capitalization ('manhattan') and run-on phrasing. The high density of grammatical errors places this criterion at Band 4.0.

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