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)
These tables illustrates the fluctuation in the population of New York City and other five district of the city from 1800 to 2000.
Overall, New York population significantly increase, Manhattan population fall over the same period. In other district population rose rapidly.
In 1800, New York population was 79,216 it climbed sharply and reached 3,437,202 in 1900, this increase trend continued that in 2000 population approaches 8,009,185. Manhattan population was 76% in 1800 it decline and become 54% in 1900.The population decreased from 1900 to 2000 and reached 19%.
In 1800, the total population of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island was about 18,701 it increase sharply , in 1900 population reached 1,587,109. This increasing trend continued that population reached 6,471,089 in 2000.
In conclusion, population of New York city was highest among all the districts of the city.
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 response attempts to summarise the data by outlining overall trends and citing figures for NYC, Manhattan, and the other districts. However, there are several factual inaccuracies and misinterpretations of the data. For instance, the writer states that 'Manhattan population fall over the same period', but Manhattan's population actually increased from 60,515 in 1800 to 1,850,093 in 1900 before dropping to 1,538,096 in 2000 (though its percentage share fell continuously). Furthermore, the conclusion contains a factual error claiming that the 'population of New York city was highest among all the districts', which does not make sense in the context of total versus component parts. Crucially, the response is also under-length, containing only 138 words against the 150-word minimum requirement. Consequently, these shortcomings limit the score to Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response has a basic structural layout, featuring an introduction, body paragraphs addressing the visual data, and a short concluding sentence. However, logical progression is frequently hindered by poor sentence construction and inadequate cohesive devices. Sentences are often strung together with comma splices or minimal punctuation, such as 'In 1800, New York population was 79,216 it climbed sharply...' Paragraphing is rudimentary and relationships between ideas are not always clearly marked. While the text attempts an overview, the lack of cohesive control and mechanical sequencing keeps the score at Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The lexical range is quite limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms such as 'population', 'increase', 'rise', 'fall', and 'district'. There are noticeable word choice and collocation issues, such as 'This increase trend continued' instead of 'This upward trend continued' and 'it decline and become 54%'. Spelling and word forms are generally basic. While the vocabulary is minimally adequate to convey simple numerical data, it lacks the flexibility and precision needed for higher bands, placing it firmly at Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The grammatical structures used are mostly simple sentences or faulty complex attempts, heavily prone to punctuation errors and run-on structures. Examples include missing subject-verb agreement or tense inconsistencies ('These tables illustrates', 'population significantly increase', 'it decline'). There is a lack of accurate complex structures, and frequent basic errors cause occasional strain for the reader. Given the predominance of grammatical inaccuracies and limited structural variety, a Band 5.0 is appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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