Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-30

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 illustrates that the fluctuation of population in the new york and the other 5 districts such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island in 1800 to 2000.

Overall, the table shows the data of the population in new york city and his districts in 1800 the population was 79216 and in the era of 2000 the population is dramatically rose to [redacted phone].

As we can see, the other districts of New york like Manhattan was the largest population as compare to other districts in 1800 it was the 76 percent then decrease to 54 percent in 1900 and in 2000 it was 19 percent this changed is so dramatic.One the other side, the other districts of New york like Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island has the 24 percent in 1800 and in the 1900 the total population was the 46 percent and in 2000 it was the 81 percent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the data, noting the overall population growth of New York City from 1800 to 2000 and highlighting the changing proportions between Manhattan and the other districts. An overview is present, stating the general upward trend. However, some data points contain minor inaccuracies, such as stating Manhattan had the largest population in 1800 as a percentage (76%), but misinterpreting the phrasing of the district comparisons. The ideas are relevant and support the prompt adequately, though development is somewhat limited, which places the response at a Band 5.5 to 6.0 level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The text is divided into three paragraphs, providing an introduction, an overall statement, and a body paragraph. However, logical progression is hindered by awkward transitions and run-on structures, such as in the second sentence: 'Overall, the table shows the data of the population in new york city and his districts in 1800 the population was 79216 and in the era of 2000...'. Cohesive devices are used minimally and repetitively (e.g., 'and in', 'as we can see'). Paragraphing is attempted, but internal cohesion within sentences is frequently faulty, resulting in a Band 5.0 performance.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

Vocabulary usage is basic and repetitive, frequently relying on simple terms like 'population', 'districts', and 'percent'. There are notable word-choice and prepositional errors, such as 'fluctuation of population in the new york' instead of 'fluctuations in the population of New York'. The phrase 'dramatically rose' is an acceptable collocation, but overall the lexical range is narrow and restricted, often repeating exact phrases from the prompt. Spelling of proper nouns like 'Manhattan' and 'Brooklyn' is generally correct, but capitalization rules are frequently ignored.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response demonstrates a limited range of grammatical structures. Most sentences are simple or poorly coordinated compound structures joined by 'and'. There are frequent errors in punctuation, article usage, and subject-verb agreement, such as 'the other districts of New york like Manhattan was the largest population' and 'this changed is so dramatic'. Complex structures are attempted but are generally faulty and lack control. These frequent errors cause some difficulty for the reader.

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.