Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-19

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 illustrates changes in New York total population in a time period from 1800 to 2000 and the second and third table illustrates the changes in the population of five districts in a city in a similar time period. Overall in first table New York population was the most highest in 2000 and lowest in 1800 while in second table Manhattan population was most in 2000 and percentage was highest in 1800 and population was lowest in 1800 and percentage was in 2000. In third table other districts was highest in 2000 while lowest in 1800.

To begin with the, first table New York was at 79,216 in 1800. It then reached [redacted phone] in 1900 and in 2000 it rose the most [redacted phone]. This was the most significant feature of the graph.

Moving to the second table, Manthattan was at 18701 and 24% in 1800 while [redacted phone] and 46% in 1900.Finally, it stood at [redacted phone] and 19% in 2000.

Similarly, the other districts was 18701 and 24 % in 1800. Then, in 1900 it went to [redacted phone] and 46% and finally in 2000 it goes to [redacted phone] and 81%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the broad rise in New York City’s total population and note that the other districts accounted for a larger share by 2000. However, the overview contains a major factual error: Manhattan’s population was highest in 1900, not 2000, and its share was lowest in 2000. The body also misattributes the 1800 figures of 18,701 and 24% to Manhattan; these belong to the other districts. Although you report several figures for the other districts accurately, the comparison between Manhattan and the combined districts is not clearly or reliably presented. To strengthen the response, check each value against its table and make the main contrast—Manhattan’s declining share versus the other districts’ growth—clear in the overview and supporting details.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview are followed by paragraphs about the total population and district figures. Sequencing expressions such as “To begin with,” “Moving to,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the order of information. However, the progression is weakened by the inaccurate overview and by unclear references to the “second” and “third” tables, since the district data are presented together in one table. The Manhattan paragraph also begins with figures that actually describe the other districts, making the organisation of information confusing. Group the data by meaningful comparison, and use clear labels such as “Manhattan” and “the other four districts” consistently rather than relying on table numbers.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant task vocabulary, including “population,” “percentage,” “rose,” and “significant feature,” so the topic is generally understandable. However, the range is limited and several phrases are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “the most highest,” “rose the most,” and “it went to.” Repetition of “was at” and “finally” also makes the description less precise. There are spelling and formatting slips in “Manthattan” and in the presentation of large numbers, which can make figures harder to read. Aim for precise reporting verbs and comparison language, for example “increased to,” “accounted for,” and “declined to,” while checking spelling and writing figures consistently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentence forms, including a contrast in the overview and a sequence of changes across the years. However, control is inconsistent, and errors sometimes make relationships between figures unclear. Examples include “the second and third table illustrates,” where the subject and verb do not agree, and “the other districts was,” which also needs plural agreement. The overview’s repeated “while” clauses are difficult to follow, and punctuation is missing after “1900” in “1900.Finally.” Use shorter, complete sentences when comparing the figures, check singular and plural agreement, and make sure each clause clearly identifies the population or percentage being described.

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.