Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-17

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 first table presents the changes in population from [redacted phone] of the residents living in New york City. The second and third table illustrates the similar changes concurrently but in five districts of the city.

Overall, the first table compares the data on population from 1800 to 1900. It demonstrates that population in all five districts surge in 2000 whereas it was least in 1800. Second table presents data only on Manhattan city of New York with percentage of total population while the third table demonstrates the remaining four cities in the same manner as for Manhattan.

So in the first table population rise from 1800 to 2000 significantly. The main comparison occurs between Manhattan and remaining five cities of New York. In 1800 Manhattans shows the highest percentage by 76 percent, whereas remaining cities gives the lowest percentage of population.

By 2000 Manhattan population faces a decrease in proportion of population by 19 percent only, while others shows an increase in percentage of population by 81 percent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the broad pattern that New York City’s population grew substantially and that Manhattan’s share fell while the other districts’ share rose. However, the overview is partly inaccurate: it says the first table compares 1800 to 1900, although it covers 1800, 1900 and 2000, and describes the other districts as “remaining five cities” rather than four districts. The response also omits key comparisons, especially the city’s total rising from 79,216 to over 8 million and Manhattan’s population increasing to 1,850,093 by 1900 before declining by 2000. The figures of 76% and 81% are relevant, but the latter is not compared with the 24% and 46% shares at earlier dates. More accurate, developed reporting is needed.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a basic paragraph structure, moving from an introduction to an overview and then to details, so the reader can identify its general subject. However, progression is limited: the overview repeats what the tables show rather than summarising the main changes, and the final paragraph returns to the same percentage comparison without adding much detail. Linking phrases such as “Overall,” “So,” and “By 2000” are used, but some connections are unclear; for example, “the main comparison occurs between Manhattan and remaining five cities” does not accurately identify the groups. Organise the report around the timeline or the contrast between Manhattan and the other districts, and use clear references to connect each figure to its year and group.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some task-relevant vocabulary, including “population,” “percentage,” “increase,” and “decrease,” and these terms help communicate the broad trends. However, the range is limited and several choices are imprecise or repetitive. “Manhattan city” and “remaining four cities” mislabel districts, while “faces a decrease in proportion of population” is an awkward way to describe a falling share. “Surge” is also too strong for a neutral summary unless supported by precise data. Aim for accurate terms such as “district,” “share,” “accounted for,” and “declined,” and vary the language used to describe population change. Correct spelling and capitalisation, including “New York,” would also improve the presentation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts a mixture of simple and more complex sentences, including a contrast with “whereas” and a time clause beginning “By 2000.” However, errors in agreement and sentence construction are frequent enough to make parts less clear. For example, “The second and third table illustrates” has a plural subject with a singular verb, and “population in all five districts surge” has incorrect agreement and tense. “Manhattans shows” and “others shows” also have agreement problems. Articles and phrasing are sometimes awkward, as in “the remaining four cities.” Use consistent past-tense reporting for the historical figures, check singular and plural subjects, and punctuate the opening sentence so the date range is clearly set off.

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

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