Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The line graph provides a detailed knowledge how the economy of US is influenced by changing job proportion in four sectors between the years 1960 and 2020.
Overall, at the beginning of the period there were least jobs in healthcare sector while manufacturing sector provided greatest jobs about 15 millions in number.
The proportion of jobs in healthcare sector increased gradually as the years passes and by the end of 2020 it reached 15 millions. It is important to note that manufacturing sector which have more jobs in the year 1960, experienced fluctuations. It offered 20 millions in the year 1980 and again went to almost 13 millions in the year 2020.
The number of jobs in agriculture and retail sectors were of equal proportion not more than 7 millions but in the year 2020 both sectors offered different number of jobs 3 and 15 millions respectively.
In comparison to agriculture and retail the number of jobs increased in 2020 in agriculture and decreased in retail as these were same in 1960.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the trends for the four sectors. However, the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. For instance, the statement that the manufacturing sector had 20 million jobs in 1980 is not clearly supported by the visual data, and the description of the agriculture and retail sectors is confusing. The final paragraph contains a factual error regarding the trends for agriculture and retail, as the data shows different trajectories than those described. To improve, ensure that data points are accurately read and that comparisons are logically structured to highlight the most significant changes over the 60-year period.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally inaccurate, such as the transition 'In comparison to agriculture and retail' which does not effectively link the ideas. The progression of ideas within paragraphs is sometimes disjointed, particularly in the final paragraph where the comparison between the two sectors is confusing. Using a wider range of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus would improve the flow and logical progression of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. Phrases like 'detailed knowledge how' and 'provided greatest jobs' are unnatural and indicate limited control over collocation. There is some repetition of basic terms like 'sectors' and 'jobs'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable', or 'experienced a downward trend', and ensure that word choices are contextually appropriate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'the economy of US' (missing article), 'there were least jobs' (incorrect superlative usage), and 'manufacturing sector which have more jobs' (subject-verb agreement error). Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence construction often feels clunky. To improve, focus on mastering basic articles, subject-verb agreement, and the correct use of comparatives and superlatives. Increasing the variety of complex structures while maintaining accuracy will also help raise your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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