Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-28

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)

There are three table given that describe the population of New york, Manhattan and other districts in the year from 1800 to 2000.

Overall, it describe that population increse in New York and other cities by high numbers in 2000 but fall same year in Manthattan.

Looking first at New York the population is increse from 1800 to 2000 continously .This happen same as in other districts furthermore the noteable thing is that the number of population starting from 1800 to 2000 is increasing incredibly fast.If we count it by percentage it increae from 24 percentage to 81 percentage.

Turning to other in Manhattan the sequence is completly opposite. As in other districts the numbers of percentages of population is countinously increased but here in Manhattan the popollation is countinusly decreasd. It is 76 percentage in year 1800 but in 2000 it just remain 19 percentage. If we look here mention clearly that population is increse but the percentage according to total population is countinously decreased.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the broad trends accurately: New York City and the other districts grew, while Manhattan’s population fell between 1900 and 2000, and its share of the total declined. The comparison of the other districts’ share rising from 24% to 81% is also relevant. However, the account is only partly developed: it gives no actual population figures, and the statement that Manhattan’s population “fall[s]” in 2000 could suggest a fall across the whole period, although it first rose sharply before declining. Include the key totals and clarify that Manhattan peaked in 1900. A fuller overview should also compare the city’s overall growth with the shift in population away from Manhattan toward the other districts.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and two paragraphs that discuss New York and the district groups. Sequencing phrases such as “Looking first” and “Turning to” help signal the change of focus. However, progression within the paragraphs is sometimes repetitive: the increase in the other districts is stated several times, and the final sentence repeats the point about Manhattan’s declining share without adding a new comparison. References such as “other” and “here” are not always precise, so the reader must infer which group is meant. Organise the details around clear comparisons and use specific labels consistently to make the links between ideas more effective.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some task-relevant vocabulary, including “population,” “percentage,” “increased,” and “decreased,” and phrases such as “the sequence is completely opposite” attempt to express contrast. However, the range is limited and several word choices or forms are inaccurate, which sometimes makes the meaning less clear. For example, “other cities” does not accurately describe the other districts, while “the number of population” is an unnatural collocation. Spelling errors such as “Manthattan,” “increse,” and “countinously” are noticeable. Build a more precise range for describing table data, including terms for totals, proportions, rises, falls, and peaks, and check spelling and word forms carefully.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including a contrast introduced by “but” and a conditional phrase beginning “If we count it by percentage.” However, control is inconsistent, and errors in verb forms, agreement, articles, and sentence construction occur throughout. For example, “There are three table given” has an agreement and participle problem, while “it describe that population increse” lacks correct subject–verb agreement and verb form. The sentence beginning “If we look here mention clearly” is difficult to follow because its clause structure is incomplete. Use straightforward, complete sentences first, then add comparisons with accurately formed clauses. Check that each sentence has a clear subject and verb, and use past-tense forms consistently when reporting the historical data.

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