Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-19

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 6.0)

The line graph depicts the number of employment in four different sectors of the economy: manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and healthcare in the US from 1960 to 2020, with a time interval of two decades. Units are calibrated in millions.

Overall, it is apparent that manufacturing was the dominant sector in the initial year, which was substituted by retail and healthcare by the terminal year. In comparison, retail and healthcare witnessed an increase while manufacturing and agriculture experienced a downward trend.

In 1960, manufacturing was the largest contributor, standing at 15 million. It was followed by retail and agriculture, just above 5 million each. Healthcare showed the lowest figure, at approximately 2 million.

Furthermore, manufacturing increased by 5 million in 1980 and then reduced to roughly 13 million in 2020. A similar trend was observed by agriculture, which plummeted to a million in 2020.

Nevertheless, retail and healthcare followed an upward trend. Both sectors soared to slightly above than 15 million by the last year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features and provided a clear overview of the trends. You covered all four sectors and made relevant comparisons between the starting and ending points. However, there is a factual inaccuracy in your description of the manufacturing trend; you stated it increased by 5 million in 1980, but the graph shows it remained relatively stable or slightly increased, and your claim that it 'reduced to roughly 13 million' is a bit vague. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are described with greater precision and that the interpretation of the graph's visual data is strictly accurate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group the sectors by their trends (declining vs. increasing). The use of cohesive devices such as 'In comparison', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless' helps guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the specific data analysis. To improve, ensure that the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is smoother and that the referencing of data points is consistently clear to avoid any ambiguity in the progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'dominant sector', 'plummeted', and 'soared'. These choices are appropriate for an academic report. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'number of employment' (should be 'number of employees' or 'employment levels') and 'slightly above than' (the 'than' is unnecessary). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more precise collocations related to data interpretation would enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are clear, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are a few minor errors, such as 'A similar trend was observed by agriculture' (it would be more natural to say 'A similar trend was observed in agriculture') and the aforementioned 'slightly above than'. These errors do not impede communication. To move to a higher band, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as participial phrases or relative clauses, while maintaining your current level of accuracy.

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

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