Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-07-31

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The graph below gives information about the number of jobs in four sectors of the economy in the US between 1960 and 2020.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Number of jobs in four sectors of the economy in the US, 1960-2020

Student answer (Band 7.5)

The graph illustrate the number of jobs measured in millions, available in Manufacturing, Retailing, Agriculture and Healthcare sector, of the economy in the United States from 1960 to 2020. Overall, it is evident that while the number of jobs available in the retail and healthcare sector increased significantly over the period, that of manufacturing and agriculture declined slightly.

Healthcare and Retail followed a similar pattern with healthcare accounting for the least figure in 1960. Both stood at approximately 2 million and 6 million in 1960 respectively. They rose slowly to 5 million and 10 million in 1980, before climbing significantly and surpassed manufacturing to record a similar figure at just above 15 million in 2020.

However, the number of jobs available in the manufacturing sector declined steadily. It began at 15 million in 1960, followed by a sharp growth to reach a peak at 20 million in 1980. Then it fell gradually to just below 15 million in 2020. Agriculture experienced a gradual decline over the period. It stood at the same figure as retail in 1960. Although retail grew, it experienced a slow dip to about 4 million in 1980. The remain consistent for the next 20-years, before finishing off at approximately 2 million in 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four sectors and made relevant comparisons, such as noting the crossover between the retail/healthcare sectors and manufacturing. The data is accurately reported, and the key features are highlighted well. To reach a higher band, ensure that all figures are described with absolute precision; for instance, ensure the distinction between the starting points and the peak values is clearly articulated. Overall, the response is well-structured and addresses the prompt effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group the sectors effectively. You use cohesive devices such as 'However', 'Overall', and 'Although' to link ideas. The progression of information is clear, moving from the general trend to specific sector details. To improve, ensure that referencing is always precise; for example, in the final paragraph, the phrase 'The remain consistent' is grammatically unclear and disrupts the flow. Strengthening the variety of cohesive links would further enhance the professional tone of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly, using terms like 'declined steadily', 'sharp growth', and 'surpassed'. There are some minor errors in word choice and form, such as 'least figure' (should be 'lowest figure') and 'The remain consistent' (should be 'The figure remained consistent'). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the use of vocabulary from being considered 'flexible' or 'precise' at the highest level. Focusing on collocations related to data trends will help you achieve a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'The graph illustrate' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'The remain consistent' (incorrect verb form). Additionally, there are minor punctuation and phrasing issues, such as '20-years' (should not be hyphenated here). Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the grammar does not impede the reader's understanding. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and verb tense consistency throughout the report.

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