Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-06
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 first table demonstrate about the total population of New York City between 1800 and 2000. The other tables show the alternations of population in all five districts. Overall, it is noticeable that other districts had the highest percentage of total population, while Manthan recorded the lowest number of population in 2000 in New York City.
Turning to the details,in 2000, the total population of all five districts were more as compared in 1800 and 1900 years. In Manhathan, 76% of total population recorded 60515 in 1800 year, followed by a sharply decreased in 2000 having 19% of total population. Furthermore, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island initially reported 24% of total population in 1800 year. Afterward,this figure was increased to 46% having [redacted phone] people. Moreover, in 2000, 81% of the population grew up and reaching [redacted phone] people in New York City.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response addresses the task only partially because it falls short of the 150-word minimum, containing only 141 words. While an overview is attempted at the end of the first paragraph, it contains inaccuracies regarding the data, such as claiming that Manhattan recorded the lowest number of population in 2000, which misinterprets the figures. Some key features are selected and reported, such as the percentages for Manhattan and the other districts in 1800 and 2000, but the data reporting is limited and lacks sufficient extension and comparison. To reach a higher band, the response must meet the minimum word count requirement, provide a more accurate and comprehensive overview of the main trends, and ensure that all figures and comparisons cited from the tables are fully correct.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The text demonstrates some organization with a basic division into an introduction and a body paragraph. However, there is no clear overall progression, and the logical flow between sentences is occasionally disrupted by mechanical or inaccurate cohesive devices, such as 'Turning to the details,in 2000' with missing spacing and awkward transitions like 'Furthermore' and 'Moreover'. Paragraphing is also limited, as the entire body of the response is crammed into a single block of text rather than being structured logically by time period or category. To improve, you should group related ideas into distinct paragraphs, use a wider variety of cohesive links naturally, and ensure that referencing and progression guide the reader smoothly through the data.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is limited but minimally adequate to convey basic information about the tables. There are noticeable lexical and spelling errors that stem from poor word choice and word formation, such as 'demonstrate' instead of 'demonstrates', 'alternations' instead of 'alterations', 'Manthan' and 'Manhathan' instead of 'Manhattan', and 'decreased' instead of 'decrease'. Phrasing such as 'the total population of all five districts were more as compared in 1800 and 1900 years' is unnatural and impedes precise communication. To achieve a higher band, you need to expand your lexical range, incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to data trends, and eliminate spelling and word-form errors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response shows a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying mostly on simple sentences with frequent errors in complex structures. There are persistent grammatical inaccuracies, including subject-verb agreement issues like 'the total population... were more', missing articles ('in 2000 year'), incorrect prepositional usage, and awkward tense shifts. Attempts at complex clauses often result in faulty grammar, such as 'followed by a sharply decreased in 2000 having 19%'. Punctuation is also occasionally neglected, such as missing spaces after commas. To progress, you must practice forming error-free complex sentences and improve your control over basic grammar rules, tense consistency, and prepositions.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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