Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-13

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 5.5)

The given line chart illustrates the information regarding the distribution of number of jobs in four sector of economy in Us from 1960 to 2020.

Overall, The Dominant sectors were Retail and Healthcare, Moreover Minor sector was Agriculture during the period.

To begin with the Manufacturing sectior was the highest jobs in the starting period arround 15 millions. after that is was peaked at 20 millions in the year of 1980. than it was steadily decreaced over the period and reached at arround13 millions. Healthcare and Retail sector economy were 6 millions in the starting period. Retail sector was sharply increased and reached at the 15 millions in the year of 2000. After that it was slightly increased over the period and peaked at 16 millions.

Healthcare sector was follows same treand. It was increased gradually and peaked at 5 millions in 1980. After that it was incline sharply over the period and reached at arround 16 millions. While Agriculture was decreased slightly and reached at 2 millions over the period before levelling off 3 millions in the year of 2000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four sectors and made relevant comparisons, such as noting the dominance of Retail and Healthcare. However, the report lacks precision in some areas; for example, you mention '15 millions' and '13 millions' without consistent units, and some data points are slightly inaccurate compared to the graph. To reach a higher band, ensure that your data reporting is precise and that you avoid vague descriptions. The overview is present but could be more integrated into the structure of the report to better highlight the significant shifts over the 60-year period.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices like 'To begin with', 'After that', and 'While', which assist in linking sentences. However, the flow is occasionally mechanical, and some transitions feel repetitive. The referencing is generally clear, but the paragraphing could be improved by grouping the sectors more effectively—perhaps by comparing the growing sectors against the declining ones. Overall, the structure is sufficient to convey the information, but more sophisticated linking words would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'distribution', 'dominant', 'steadily decreased', and 'levelling off'. However, there are several spelling errors ('sectior', 'arround', 'decreaced', 'treand', 'incline') and some awkward phrasing, such as 'Healthcare sector was follows same treand'. These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the score. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure you proofread for basic spelling mistakes, which currently detract from the professional tone of your report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is a positive step. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'Manufacturing sectior was the highest jobs', 'Healthcare sector was follows same treand'). Additionally, there are issues with article usage and prepositions. While the meaning remains clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on consistent tense usage—specifically using the past simple for historical data—will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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