Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-01

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 5.5)

The provided tabular representations demonstrate how the population patterns in New York city as a whole and in its five distinct districts varied over a timeline of 3 centuries (1800 to 2000).

To begin with the total population of the city, starting from 79216 people in 1800, this number increased significantly to [redacted phone] in 1900 and then, was noted to be soared upto [redacted phone] in 2000.

Moving further, during 1800, the highest proportion of total population belonged to Manhattan, accounting for 76% whereas, only 24% of people lived in other districts. While the former figure was recorded as 60515 in numbers, the figure for latter one was only 18701.

However, although [redacted phone] people started residing in Manhattan by next century, it comprised only half of the total population. Interestingly, this count and percentage dropped down to [redacted phone] and 19%, respectively in 2000.

Moreover, the population in other districts increased from [redacted phone] in 1900 to

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses the task partially, as it ends abruptly mid-sentence and fails to complete the description of the data. While you successfully report the overall population figures for New York City and make valid comparisons regarding Manhattan versus the other districts for the years 1800 and 1900, the final part of the timeline is cut off. To reach a higher band, all parts of the prompt must be fully covered, including a complete and coherent summary of all the data provided in the tables without trailing off.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is a basic logical organization to your writing, with an introductory statement followed by body paragraphs addressing different time periods and districts. You use transition markers such as "To begin with", "Moving further", and "However" to guide the reader. However, the overall progression is disrupted because the response cuts off at the end. Additionally, referencing could be improved; phrases like "the former figure" and "the figure for latter one" are slightly mechanical. To improve, ensure all paragraphs are fully developed and that cohesive devices are used smoothly to connect ideas from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate vocabulary range for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as "tabular representations", "proportion", and "residing". There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, though a few word choices and collocations are slightly unnatural, such as "soared upto" and "in numbers". Spelling is generally accurate, but some minor inaccuracies exist in word choice. To achieve a higher band, aim to use a wider variety of precise lexical items and ensure that collocations are used more naturally and fluently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

Your response includes a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over structure. You attempt complex clauses using words like "starting from" and "whereas". However, there are notable grammatical errors throughout the text, including awkward passive constructions ("was noted to be soared upto") and missing articles (e.g., "for latter one"). These errors reflect a limited control over complex grammatical structures and punctuation. To improve, focus on reducing frequent errors in verb forms and prepositions, and ensure that your sentences are grammatically complete and accurate.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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