Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-15

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 the data on the number of jobs in four sectors of the American economy from 1960 to 2020.

Overall, it is clear that Healthcare started with the second-lowest category, but with the passage of time, it showed a significant increase while surpassing the other groups. In contrast, Agriculture commenced at the same point, followed by a considerable decrease throughout the entire timeframe.

Looking at the details, in Manufacturing began at 15 millions. There was a dramatic rise reaching 20 millions. The figure fell gradually and ended up with the less than 15 millions in 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, reaching only 99 words. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. While you have identified some main features, such as the growth of Healthcare and the decline of Agriculture, the analysis is incomplete. You have omitted data for the fourth sector entirely and failed to provide a comprehensive overview of the trends. To improve, you must ensure all categories are described and that you provide enough detail to meet the length requirement, which allows for a more thorough comparison of the data points provided in the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organised into an introduction, an overview, and a single body paragraph. While there is a basic logical flow, the lack of sufficient content makes the progression feel abrupt. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall', 'In contrast', and 'Looking at the details', which help guide the reader. However, because the response is significantly underdeveloped, the overall structure is limited. To improve, ensure that each sector is given its own analysis or grouped logically, and use a wider variety of linking words to connect your observations more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic. You use terms like 'significant increase', 'considerable decrease', and 'dramatic rise', which are appropriate for describing trends. However, there are some inaccuracies, such as 'in Manufacturing began at 15 millions', where the preposition 'in' is unnecessary and the plural 'millions' is incorrect when preceded by a number. To achieve a higher band, focus on using more precise collocations and ensure that numerical data is expressed accurately without unnecessary pluralisation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures. There are several grammatical errors that hinder the flow, such as 'in Manufacturing began at 15 millions' and 'ended up with the less than 15 millions'. These errors, particularly regarding article usage and pluralisation, are noticeable. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of a wider range of error-free complex sentences limits the score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles and prepositions when discussing statistical data.

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

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