Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The line graph illustrates the changes in employment figures across four economic sectors in the United States: Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare, and Agriculture from 1960 to 2020, measured in millions of jobs.

Overall, Healthcare and Retail experienced consistent upward trajectories throughout the 60-year period, with Healthcare exhibiting the most dramatic rise. Conversely, Manufacturing saw initial growth before experiencing a steady decline, while Agriculture remained the smallest employer with a slight downward drift.

In 1960, Manufacturing was by far the largest provider of jobs at 15 million, peaking at 20 million in 1980. However, this sector subsequently contracted, dropping to 17 million in 2000 and eventually falling to 13 million by 2020. In contrast, Retail started at 6 million in 1960 and climbed steadily over the decades, overtaking Manufacturing around 2015 to reach 16 million by the end of the timeframe.

Healthcare began as the smallest sector in 1960 alongside Agriculture, offering only 2 million jobs. Over the following six decades, Healthcare witnessed substantial and uninterrupted expansion, matching Manufacturing at approximately 14 million jobs in 2015 and concluding at 16 million in 2020. Conversely, Agriculture started at 6 million jobs in 1960, dipped sharply to 3 million in 1980, and then slowly diminished to finish at just under 2 million in 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all key features of the graph, including the overall trends and specific data points for each sector. The overview is clear and highlights the most significant developments, such as the rise of Healthcare and the decline of Manufacturing. You have made effective comparisons, for instance, noting when Healthcare matched Manufacturing in 2015. The data is accurately reported, and the structure allows for a logical progression of information. You have fully addressed the requirements of the task by summarizing the main features and providing relevant comparisons throughout the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear logical flow. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an introduction and overview to detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'However', 'In contrast', and 'subsequently' are used effectively to link ideas and show relationships between the data points. The progression of information is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is coherent, making the information very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary, using precise and varied language to describe trends. Phrases such as 'upward trajectories', 'dramatic rise', 'steadily over the decades', and 'uninterrupted expansion' are used accurately and naturally. You avoid repetition and show a good awareness of collocation. The vocabulary is well-suited to the academic nature of the task, and there are no errors in word choice that would impede communication. The range is sufficient to convey complex information with precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures with a high level of accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'Healthcare began as the smallest sector in 1960 alongside Agriculture, offering only 2 million jobs.' Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence structure, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the response. The grammar supports the clarity of your analysis perfectly.

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