Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-07
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 lines in graph gives information about the number of employment in four companies of the economy in the US between 1960 and 2020. Overall, these four sectors give jobs to the skill peoples.
Firstly, we discuss manufacturing sector. In 1960 this manufacturing sector gave only 15 jobs in millions and then it is raised and came 20 and then it is fall and again decreased like 12 jobs in millions.
Secondly, Retail sector gave employment in 1960 only 6 jobs in millions. Furthermore, in 1980 it was increased and 2000 it gave 15 jobs in millions and then 2020 again increased.
Thirdly, Agriculture was only gave 3 jobs in millions and it's graph line was same like the Retail. Moreover, both lines were increased and gave large amount of jobs in millions.
At last, Healthcare was also low as compared to other three sectors. In 1960 it's only 6 jobs in millions and in 1980 only 3 and then decreased and again decreased and last 2020 it's only 1 jobs in millions.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the four sectors mentioned in the graph, but the analysis is superficial and lacks a clear overview of the main trends. The student fails to accurately report the data, often misinterpreting the visual information (e.g., describing the Healthcare sector as decreasing to 1 million, which contradicts typical graph trends). The 'overall' statement is too vague and does not highlight the significant shifts or comparisons between sectors. To improve, focus on identifying the highest and lowest points, as well as the most notable changes over the 60-year period, rather than listing data points for each sector individually.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay uses basic paragraphing and some cohesive devices like 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'Furthermore'. However, the progression of ideas is mechanical and repetitive. The transitions between sentences feel forced, and the lack of complex cohesive links makes the text feel like a list of observations rather than a cohesive report. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the logical flow between the introduction and the body paragraphs is weak. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph focuses on a clear thematic grouping of data rather than just listing sectors.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is very limited and repetitive, relying heavily on phrases like 'gave jobs' and 'jobs in millions'. There is a lack of academic vocabulary suitable for describing trends (e.g., 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable', 'declined'). The word choice is often inaccurate, such as 'skill peoples' instead of 'skilled workers' and 'companies of the economy' instead of 'sectors of the economy'. To reach a higher band, you must learn and apply specific collocations for data description and avoid repeating the same basic verbs and nouns throughout the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The lines in graph gives'), article usage (e.g., 'in 1960 this manufacturing sector'), and tense consistency. The sentence structures are predominantly simple, with very few attempts at complex sentences. Punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that subjects and verbs agree, and using appropriate prepositions when discussing time periods and numerical data.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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