Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The given table illustrates the changes in total population of New York city from 1800 to 2000, while the other tables depects information about changes in population of five districts of the city over same period of time.
In the foremost table, the New York city had least population in year 1800 of 79,216.In 1900, there was a significant increase in number of individuals that is 3,437,202 while on the other hand, in year 2000 there was a highest increment of 8 millon indiviuals.
In 1800, manhatten had the most numer of total population of 60,515 which was 76% o total natives. while in 1900 the population of manhatten was peaked at 1,850,093 while there was a drop in total share of population which was 54%. In year 2000, manhatten city had decrement in total population and share of population both.
In contrast, the combined population of the other four districts grew conistently. In 1800, these districts held only 18,701 people, making 24% of overall population.By 1900, there was a increases in population and total share. Finally in year 2000 there was a significant incriment in total number of people which was 6.4 million while there was also rapid increase of total share of city population representing 81% population
Overall, the total population of new york city roses over te period of time. Manhatten city population also increases but its total share decreases. At last, the other four districts expanded its population and total share of population with the passsage of time.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The response successfully covers all parts of the prompt by presenting data from the overall New York City population table as well as the district breakdown for Manhattan and the other four boroughs. The main features and notable trends are identified, such as the overall growth and the shifting proportion of inhabitants living in Manhattan compared to the other districts. However, some ideas are slightly under-developed or lack full comparative depth, particularly when discussing the exact numerical trajectories of the outlying districts between 1800 and 1900. To reach the highest bands, the student could provide a more fully extended and comprehensive comparison across all periods simultaneously, bridging the higher band descriptors where all aspects of the visual data are exploited with complete clarity.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The text presents a coherent overall arrangement with a logical progression from the general city-wide population to specific districts, followed by a concluding summary paragraph. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different sections of the data. Cohesive devices are employed, such as 'In the foremost table', 'In contrast', and 'Overall', though some referencing and transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive, such as starting multiple sentences with 'In year 2000' or 'In 1800'. To achieve a higher level of cohesion, the writer should employ a wider variety of linking words and ensure that referential pronouns flow more naturally without disrupting the reader's progression.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items and descriptive terms such as 'increment', 'significant increase', and 'population share'. However, there are noticeable spelling and word choice errors, including 'depects' instead of 'depicts', 'manhatten' with lowercase and incorrect spelling, 'numer' instead of 'number', and 'incriment'. These lexical inaccuracies and occasional non-standard collocations slightly impede communication and prevent the score from moving into higher bands. To improve, the student must pay closer attention to word forms, correct spelling conventions for proper nouns, and precise vocabulary selection.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, attempting constructions like 'while the other tables depects information' and 'making 24% of overall population'. There are several grammatical and punctuation errors throughout the text, such as missing articles ('in year 1800', 'representing 81% population'), capitalization errors ('new york city', 'Manhatten'), and awkward verb tenses ('roses over te period of time', 'increases'). These errors occur frequently enough to cause some distraction for the reader, though they rarely obscure the overall meaning entirely. Improving control over articles, subject-verb agreement, and basic punctuation would significantly strengthen this area.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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