Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-08
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 in four sectors of the US economy—manufacturing, retail, agriculture and healthcare—from 1960 to 2020.
Overall, manufacturing remained a major source of employment despite experiencing a substantial decline after 1980. By contrast, healthcare and retail employment increased considerably over the period, while agriculture witnessed a gradual and persistent fall. By 2020, healthcare and retail had become the two largest sectors in terms of employment.
In 1960, manufacturing employed approximately 15 million people, making it the largest of the four sectors. Its figure then rose significantly, reaching a peak of 20 million in 1980. However, employment subsequently declined to around 17 million in 2000 and fell further to approximately 13 million by 2020. Retail followed a contrasting pattern, increasing steadily from about 6 million jobs in 1960 to 10 million in 1980 and approximately 15 million in 2000, before reaching around 16 million at the end of the period.
Healthcare recorded the most dramatic growth. Starting at only about 2 million jobs in 1960, the sector more than doubled to roughly 5 million in 1980 and continued to expand, reaching around 11 million in 2000 and 16 million in 2020. Agriculture, on the other hand, experienced a continuous decline, falling from approximately 6 million jobs in 1960 to 3 million in 1980, and then to about 2 million by 2020.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main features of the graph, including the peak in manufacturing, the dramatic rise in healthcare, and the steady decline in agriculture. You have successfully made comparisons between the sectors, such as contrasting the growth of healthcare and retail with the decline of agriculture. The overview is concise and accurately captures the key trends over the 60-year period. All parts of the prompt are addressed, and the data is used effectively to support the summary. No significant information is omitted, and the selection of data points is logical and well-structured.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. Cohesive devices such as 'By contrast', 'However', and 'on the other hand' are used naturally to link ideas and signal shifts in the data. The flow of information is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. Each paragraph has a clear focus, which makes the report very easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You have demonstrated a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is appropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. Phrases such as 'substantial decline', 'witnessed a gradual and persistent fall', and 'recorded the most dramatic growth' show a high level of precision. The word choice is sophisticated and contributes to a professional tone. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with natural control throughout the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentences, such as 'By contrast, healthcare and retail employment increased considerably over the period, while agriculture witnessed a gradual and persistent fall.' Punctuation is used correctly, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The control over verb tenses, particularly the use of the past simple to describe historical data, is consistent and correct throughout the report.
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