Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-29

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 4.0)

the table refers that total population of Newyork city since 1800.Here most number of population is in 2000 and least is in 1800.The other two table explain the information about the number of population in Manhattan, brook layn, bornons,Queen,state island.the year of 2000 seems to have most number of total population and 1800 seems have to least

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

You identify the broad pattern that the city’s population was highest in 2000 and lowest in 1800, which is relevant to the tables. However, the response gives almost no specific information: it does not report any population figures, describe the sharp overall growth, or explain the key contrast that Manhattan’s population rose to 1900 and then fell, while the other districts grew substantially. The district names are also unclear, so the comparison is difficult to follow. The response is only 57 words, well below the required 150, leaving the task very incomplete. To improve, write a concise overview and support it with accurate figures and comparisons from each period.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 3.5

There is a basic attempt to introduce the tables and state a general trend, so the reader can recognise the topic. However, the ideas are repeated rather than developed: the claim that 2000 has the most population and 1800 the least appears twice. There is no clear progression from an overview to comparisons of the districts, and the response is presented as one continuous passage. Some linking, such as “The other two table,” signals a shift, but it does not establish a clear relationship between the information. Organise the response into an introduction, an overview, and a paragraph comparing the figures, using references such as “By contrast” to connect the trends.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses a small set of relevant words, including “population,” “total,” “least,” and “most,” which makes the general subject understandable. However, vocabulary is repetitive and several choices are inaccurate or unclear, particularly the misspelled district names “brook layn,” “bornons,” and “Queen.” The phrase “most number of population” is also an unnatural way to describe the largest population. Use precise terms for the data and check the spelling of place names. For example, “population increased” and “accounted for” would help describe changes and proportions more clearly. A wider range of accurate vocabulary is needed to report the main comparisons effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response attempts simple statements, and the reader can understand the basic claim about the highest and lowest years. However, grammatical control is inconsistent. For example, “the table refers that total population” has an incomplete and awkward structure, while “1800 seems have to least” is missing the appropriate verb form and article. The opening also lacks clear sentence boundaries and punctuation, and “the other two table explain” does not show correct subject–verb agreement or plural marking. Most sentences follow a similar basic pattern, with little variety. Practise complete sentences such as “The table shows that the population was lowest in 1800,” then check articles, verb forms, agreement, and punctuation.

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