Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-03

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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates the number of jobs in four sectors of the economy in the US between 1960 and 2020. The figures are measured in millions of jobs.

Overall, manufacturing recorded the highest employment at the beginning of the period, whereas agriculture remained the smallest sector throughout. Furthermore, retail and healthcare experienced steady growth, while manufacturing declined over time.

It is clear from the data that the figure of manufacturing stood at 15 million in 1960 before rising to a peak of 20 million in 1980. It then declined steadily to approximately 13 million by 2020. Likewise, employment in the retail sector increased consistently from around 6 million to 16 million over the same period.

Now, turning to the details, healthcare experienced the most significant growth, rising from just 2 million jobs in 1960 to approximately 16 million in 2020. In contrast, agriculture declined gradually from about 5 million to only 2 million, remaining the smallest employment sector throughout the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and selected key features to support your summary. The comparison between sectors is well-handled, particularly the contrast between the growth in healthcare and the decline in agriculture. The data is accurately reported, and the inclusion of specific figures (e.g., 15 million in 1960 for manufacturing) demonstrates a good grasp of the information provided. The structure is logical, and the response successfully highlights the significant shifts in the US economy over the sixty-year period. No information is missing, and the summary is balanced and relevant.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by body paragraphs that group the data effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'furthermore', 'likewise', and 'in contrast' are used appropriately to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate the different trends, making the information easy to follow. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between the different sectors is clearly articulated throughout the text, ensuring that the reader can easily track the changes over time.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends and comparisons accurately. Phrases such as 'recorded the highest employment', 'experienced steady growth', and 'declined gradually' are precise and appropriate for an academic report. There is a good awareness of collocation, and the vocabulary is used with flexibility. While the range is solid, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common lexical items could elevate the response further. However, the current vocabulary is precise and contributes to a clear, professional tone throughout the summary. There are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'It is clear from the data that the figure of manufacturing stood at 15 million in 1960 before rising to a peak of 20 million in 1980.' Punctuation is accurate, and there are very few errors. The majority of sentences are error-free, showing a high level of accuracy. The use of temporal markers and comparative structures is handled well, contributing to the overall clarity of the report. The grammatical range is sufficient to convey the information clearly and effectively.

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