Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-07

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 data provides data on changes in the total population of New York City between 1800 and 2000, while the second and third tables provides information on changes in the population of the different five districts of the city in the given period.

To begin with,in 2000, New York City recorded the highest growing number of people around at 80 lakhs, which was almost 8 times higher than in 1800. Followed by nearly 34.5 lakh in 1900.Moreover, Mangattan city was accounted for total population at 76% in 1800, which was 4 times lower than in 2000 at 19%, and, half of the population stood at 54% in 1900.

Furthermore, in other districts, in 1800, the total growing number of masses accounted for 24%, which was almost double in 1900 at 46%. In 2000, the figures shared the highest at 81% over the period.

Overall, in 1800and 2000 the total percentage of poplulation was fluctutaed in given districts and in New York City. While, 1900 the figures shared almost same number of total populations in all given period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the broad pattern that New York City’s population increased and that the other districts’ share grew, but the report only partially selects and explains the main features. The total population rose from 79,216 to 3,437,202 and then 8,009,185; describing the final figure as “almost 8 times higher than in 1800” is inaccurate, as it was about 101 times the 1800 figure. You correctly note Manhattan’s share fell from 76% to 19% and the other districts’ share rose to 81%, but the overview is unclear: the claim that percentages “fluctuated” and that 1900 had “almost same number” does not accurately summarise the pattern. Include the key contrast that Manhattan’s population itself fell after 1900 while the other districts expanded substantially.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has an introduction, separate discussion of Manhattan and the other districts, and a concluding overview, so there is some basic organisation. However, progression is not consistently clear, and several linking expressions feel mechanical or do not show the relationship between ideas. For example, “Followed by nearly 34.5 lakh in 1900” is a fragment, while “Moreover” and “Furthermore” repeatedly introduce information without clarifying its significance. The final sentence is difficult to follow and does not provide a clear summary. Improve cohesion by grouping the overall population figures together, then comparing Manhattan with the combined other districts, and finish with a concise overview. Use links such as “by contrast” only where the data genuinely contrasts.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You attempt a range of vocabulary, including “recorded,” “accounted for,” and “figures,” but control is limited and some choices make the data difficult to interpret. Expressions such as “highest growing number of people,” “total growing number of masses,” and “figures shared the highest” are not natural ways to describe population statistics. “Mangattan” and “poplulation” also show spelling errors, and “lakhs” may be less clear to an international reader than writing the figures in millions. Aim for precise, conventional language for trends and proportions, such as “population increased,” “accounted for 76%,” and “the share rose.” This would make the report clearer without requiring more elaborate vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

There are attempts to combine information in longer sentences, but the range is limited and complex constructions are often faulty. In the opening, “the second and third tables provides” has subject–verb disagreement; the plural subject requires “provide.” The sentence beginning “Followed by nearly 34.5 lakh” is incomplete, and “in 1800and 2000” lacks spacing and punctuation. The final sentence, “While, 1900 the figures shared almost same number,” is also structurally unclear and lacks a complete main clause. Commas are sometimes placed incorrectly, as in “Moreover, Mangattan city was accounted for …, and, half…”. Practise accurate simple comparisons first, then connect them with subordinate clauses while checking agreement, articles, and sentence boundaries.

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.