Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-11-03

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 table provides the information regarding changes in total population in New York city in aperiod of 200 years from 1800 to 2000.In general ther few significant in the data.

An analysis of first table indicates that the total population in the year 1800 was 79,126 and slowly it raised to 3,437,202 in the year 1900.And the later 100 years it rapidly grow to 8,009,185.Further the second table shows the changes in population in the Manhattan in year 1800 it was 60,515 and its 76%,then in the 1900 it was 1,850,093 54% there was a decline in the percentage.In the year 2000 it was 19% only and 1,538,096 poulation.

Further examination of data shows that the third table shows the population other four districts like Brooklyn,Bronx,Queens,Staten Island and in year 1800 it was 18,701 and 24% and in 1900 1,587,109 the percentage 46%, in 2000 its 81% 6,471,089it recorded highest percentage.

In conculsion the table depicts more differnces then similarties in population changes in New York from 1800 to 2000. The data helps Government to plan its stageries.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You cover the overall population and both population groupings, and most figures are accurately reported. The key pattern is present: Manhattan’s share falls from 76% to 19%, while the other districts’ share rises from 24% to 81%. However, the overview, “there few significant in the data,” does not clearly identify these main trends. There is also a factual error in the 1800 city total: you give 79,126 rather than 79,216. The conclusion about “more differences than similarities” and government planning is not supported by the tables and takes space from a clearer summary. To strengthen the response, state directly that the city grew substantially, while population growth shifted away from Manhattan toward the other districts; also note that Manhattan’s population itself fell between 1900 and 2000.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response follows a generally sensible order: it introduces the tables, discusses the city total, then Manhattan and the other districts, before concluding. This makes the information broadly easy to follow. However, the overview is unclear, and the repeated transitions “Further” and “Further examination” make the progression feel mechanical rather than showing how the trends relate. Some references are also imprecise, such as “the third table,” when the tables are not clearly distinguished in the response. Improve cohesion by using separate paragraphs for the overview and the detailed comparisons, and connect the figures through contrast—for example, Manhattan’s declining share versus the other districts’ increasing share. A concise, data-focused conclusion would also give the response a clearer ending.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant vocabulary for describing data, including “total population,” “percentage,” “decline,” and “recorded highest.” This shows an attempt to use language suited to a table summary. However, the range is limited, and several word choices or forms are inaccurate or unnatural, including “it raised,” “rapidly grow,” “more differences then similarities,” and “plan its stageries.” Spelling errors such as “poulation,” “conculsion,” and “differnces” are noticeable and reduce precision. Aim for a small range of accurate reporting verbs and comparison phrases, such as “increased,” “rose sharply,” “accounted for,” and “whereas.” Check spelling and word forms carefully, especially in the final review.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple statements and longer sentences, and the reader can usually identify the figures being discussed. However, control is inconsistent, particularly in longer sentences. For example, “the total population … was 79,126 and slowly it raised to…” has an awkward clause structure and an incorrect verb form, while “in the year 2000 it was 19% only and 1,538,096 population” lacks a clear grammatical relationship between the percentage and the figure. Articles and prepositions are also often missing or misplaced, as in “in the Manhattan in year 1800.” Sentence boundaries and spacing after full stops need attention. Use shorter, complete sentences with a clear subject and verb, then practise combining them with accurate “while” or “whereas” clauses.

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