Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-20
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 graph tracks the information related to number of jobs in four different sectors of the economy in the US from 1960 to 2020.
Overall, Manufacturing sector had the highest jobs in early years, however, declined the number of jobs at the end of period. While, Agriculture sector was the least jobs in the US economy throughout the period. Consequently, retail and healthcare sectors reached the same level at the end of the period.
Firstly, started with manufacturing and agriculture sectors, In 1960, manufacturing sector recorded around 15 millions in the US economy, IN 1980 rose to a peak of roughly 20 millions, and then decreased gradually approximately 13 millions in 2020. In the contrast Agriculture witnessed least job opportunities in the economy of the US over the period. Agriculture sector decreased gradually around from 7 millions in 1960 to 3 millions in 1980, after that decreased steadily to reached around 2 millions in 2020.
Lastly, retail and healthcare increased jobs in the US throughout the period. In 1960 , retail sectors recorded around 6 millions jobs and healthcare registered 3 millions job, however, both sectors reached the same level at the end of period, 16 millions jobs in the US in 2020.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
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 convergence of the retail and healthcare sectors. However, the report could be improved by being more precise with data points. For instance, stating 'around 15 millions' is slightly imprecise; using '15 million' (without the 's') and more specific figures would enhance the quality of your summary. You have met the requirements of the task well by highlighting the key features of the graph.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices like 'Firstly', 'In contrast', and 'Lastly' to guide the reader. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing, such as 'While, Agriculture sector was the least jobs'. The use of punctuation and linking words could be more sophisticated to improve the overall progression of ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'recorded', 'witnessed', 'decreased', and 'reached the same level'. However, there are consistent errors in word form and collocation, such as 'declined the number of jobs' (should be 'the number of jobs declined') and '15 millions' (should be '15 million'). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Expanding your range of reporting verbs and adverbs would help elevate your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is good. However, there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include missing articles ('Manufacturing sector', 'Agriculture sector'), incorrect verb usage ('decreased gradually to reached'), and issues with subject-verb agreement. While these errors rarely make the meaning unclear, they are frequent enough to limit the score. Focusing on consistent verb tense usage and correct article placement will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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