Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-05

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 8.0)

The line graph compares the number of jobs, measured in millions, in four sectors of the US economy—manufacturing, retail, agriculture and healthcare—between 1960 and 2020.

Overall, manufacturing was the largest employer at the beginning of the period but declined after reaching a peak in 1980. In contrast, retail and healthcare experienced steady growth, while agriculture showed a continuous downward trend and became the smallest sector by the end of the period.

In 1960, manufacturing provided around 15 million jobs, compared with about 6 million in both retail and agriculture. Healthcare employed the fewest people, at only 2 million. By 1980, manufacturing had increased significantly to approximately 20 million jobs, its highest point. During the same period, retail rose to 10 million, while healthcare climbed to 5 million. Agriculture, however, fell sharply to around 3 million.

From 1980 onwards, employment in manufacturing gradually declined to roughly 13 million in 2020. Retail continued to grow, reaching 15 million in 2000 and about 16 million by the end of the period, making it the largest employer. Healthcare also expanded steadily, increasing from 5 million to around 16 million between 1980 and 2020. Meanwhile, agriculture remained on a downward path, ending the period at only 2 million jobs.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent and fully addresses all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends, such as the rise of healthcare and retail versus the decline of agriculture and the manufacturing peak. Key features are highlighted effectively, and the data is used accurately to support the comparisons. You have successfully identified the start and end points as well as the significant turning point in 1980. The information is well-selected, and the summary is logically structured, meeting all the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, the initial period (1960-1980), and the final period (1980-2020). Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'During the same period', 'However', and 'Meanwhile' are used naturally and effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is skillful, and the information flows smoothly from one point to the next, making the report very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a wide range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'steady growth', 'continuous downward trend', 'reached a peak', and 'expanded steadily' demonstrate a good command of descriptive language. The terminology is precise and relevant to the data provided. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with a high degree of flexibility and naturalness throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The control over grammar and punctuation is excellent, with no errors that impede communication. You have used a variety of sentence forms, such as 'In 1960, manufacturing provided around 15 million jobs, compared with about 6 million in both retail and agriculture', which shows a high level of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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