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)

This line graph delineates the employment in four financial sectors of the US over a period of 1960 to 2020.

Generally speaking, the job count of healthcare and retail industry rose steadily throughout the year, showing continuous upward tread. Conversely, the number of people employed in manufacturing domain exhibited the downward trajectory. Agricultural sector remained relatively stable, showing minimal fluctuations throughout the year.

Most noticeably of all, it can be seen that in healthcare industry, the employment numbers rose from three million to sixteen million, with 2020 showing the most significant rise. The retail business also follows the same pattern, there was gradual increase in labor from 1960 to 2000 , followed by a steady increase thereafter till 2020.

Another clearly evident revelation is that workforce size of manufacturing sector figures rose to twenty million , before falling marginally to seventeen million in 2000 and to fourteen million in 2020. Turning to the agriculture field, it can be seen that the head count hovered between three million to 5 million ,experiencing only marginal changes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all four sectors and identifies the main trends effectively. You have successfully highlighted the key features, such as the significant growth in healthcare and the decline in manufacturing. However, the overview is slightly generic; it would be stronger if you explicitly contrasted the growth sectors with the declining ones in a more integrated way. The data points are generally accurate, though ensure that your descriptions of trends (e.g., 'steady increase') are always supported by the specific data provided in the graph to fully meet the requirements of a Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on specific sectors. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices like 'Conversely' and 'Most noticeably of all' to link ideas. However, the connection between sentences could be smoother, and some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To reach a higher band, ensure that referencing is precise and that the flow between sentences is more natural rather than relying on standard linking phrases.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'delineates,' 'trajectory,' and 'fluctuations.' There are some minor issues with collocation and word choice, such as 'upward tread' (should be 'trend') and 'financial sectors' (the graph shows employment sectors, not necessarily financial ones). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and descriptive adjectives would enhance your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'throughout the year' (when referring to a multi-decade period), 'manufacturing domain exhibited the downward trajectory' (missing an article), and 'between three million to 5 million' (should be 'between three and five million'). These errors do not impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on article usage and consistent tense control will help improve your accuracy.

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

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