Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-06
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 line graph illustrates the number of jobs, measured in millions, in four sectors of the US economy manufacturing, retail, agriculture and healthcare from 1960 to 2020.
Overall, manufacturing was the largest employer for most of the period, although it declined after reaching a peak in 1980. In contrast, retail and healthcare experienced steady growth, with both becoming the leading sectors by 2020. Meanwhile, agriculture showed a continuous downward trend and remained the smallest employer at the end of the period.
Looking at the figures in detail, employment in the manufacturing sector increased from 15 million in 1960 to a peak of 20 million in 1980. However, it then fell gradually to around 17 million in 2000 before declining further to approximately 13 million by 2020. By comparison, retail employment rose consistently from 6 million to 10 million in 1980, reached 15 million in 2000, and finished at about 16 million, making it the largest sector.
Agriculture followed the opposite pattern, with the number of jobs falling from around 6 million in 1960 to 3 million in 1980 and 2000, before dropping to just 2 million in 2020. In contrast, healthcare expanded steadily throughout the period, increasing from 2 million to 5 million, then 11 million, and finally 16 million, matching the retail sector by the end of the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response is excellent and fully addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends, such as the decline in manufacturing and agriculture versus the growth in retail and healthcare. The key features are well-selected, and the comparisons between sectors are accurate and relevant. You have successfully highlighted the peak in manufacturing and the convergence of retail and healthcare by 2020. The data is used effectively to support the description, and the information is presented in a logical and professional manner, meeting all requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, and the detailed body paragraphs. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'By comparison', which help the reader follow the comparisons between the sectors. The paragraphing is skillful and contributes to the overall clarity of the report. The flow of information is smooth, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive transitions.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You have demonstrated a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'continuous downward trend', 'steady growth', and 'matching the retail sector' show a good command of language. The vocabulary is precise and used accurately throughout the text. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language is natural and sophisticated. You have successfully avoided repetition by using varied descriptors for the trends observed in the graph.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with a high level of accuracy. You have used complex sentences effectively, such as 'Although it declined after reaching a peak in 1980' and 'Manufacturing was the largest employer for most of the period, although it declined...'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication, and the control over tense and structure is consistent throughout the task.
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