Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-11

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 given graph illustrates proportion of employments in four sectors in the united states economy from the period of 1960 to 2020.

At a first glance, manufacturing maintained their position at top from all of sectors at 15 millions in 1960 and rose to 20 millions in year 1980. However, after that manufacturing dropped significantly to 17 millions and 13 millions in year 2000 and 2020 respectively. Retail sector demonstrated growing trend throughout the given time period started with 6 millions in year 1960 and climbed up to 16 millions in 2020

Same trend followed by healthcare industry 3 million in 1960 and boosted to 16 millions same as retail sector. On ther

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. Because the text is incomplete and ends abruptly mid-sentence, the overview is missing, and the data is not fully reported. While you identified some trends for manufacturing, retail, and healthcare, the fourth sector is entirely omitted. To improve, you must ensure you cover all categories presented in the graph and provide a clear summary of the main trends. The current length prevents a full development of the task, leading to a low score for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response lacks a clear structure. There is no introduction or overview, and the abrupt ending mid-sentence disrupts the flow of information. While you attempt to use some cohesive devices like 'However' and 'At a first glance', the overall progression is hindered by the incomplete nature of the text. Paragraphing is present but ineffective due to the lack of a concluding summary or a cohesive link between the disparate points. To improve, ensure each paragraph has a clear purpose and that you use linking words to connect your ideas logically throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and limited. You use basic terms like 'rose', 'dropped', and 'climbed', which are acceptable but lack the precision expected for a higher band. There are also errors in word choice, such as 'proportion of employments' (should be 'number of employees' or 'employment levels') and 'at top from all of sectors' (should be 'the leading sector'). To improve, focus on using more varied reporting verbs and nouns related to economic trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'a significant decline'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The text contains several grammatical errors that affect clarity. There are issues with article usage ('in the united states', 'at top'), pluralization ('15 millions'), and missing prepositions. Sentence structures are generally simple, and the lack of completion makes it difficult to assess your ability to use complex structures effectively. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Ensure that you proofread your work to catch basic errors in tense and pluralization, which currently occur frequently throughout the short text.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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