Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The provided chart delineates the shift in the number of jobs in four divisions of the economy across the US from 1960 to 2020.

Overall, it is manifest that while healthcare and retail experienced an upward trajectory, manufacturing and agriculture underwent a significant decline, hitting their lowest points in 2020.

In detail, looking at the initial figures in 1960, the metric for healthcare and retail stood at around 2.5 million and 6 million respectively, whereupon it experienced a sharp escalation, climbing to reach almost 11 million and 14 million respectively in 2000. Subsequently, this figure plateaued for the remainder of the decade before both finishing at a high of 16 million at the close of the period.

Conversely, a starkly opposite pattern was observed regarding manufacturing and agriculture. Initially starting at a commanding 15 million and almost 6 million respectively, their numbers plummeted progressively throughout the period. Although there were marginal fluctuations between 1960 and 1980, the trend culminated in a final drop, with figures leveling off at a negligible 3 million (or lower) and almost 2 million in 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and successfully selected key data points to support your descriptions. The comparison between the growing sectors (healthcare and retail) and the declining sectors (manufacturing and agriculture) is well-structured. You have accurately identified the start and end points and noted the significant shifts over the 60-year period. The information is logically grouped, and the summary is accurate based on the provided graph. No key features were omitted, and the response maintains a professional, analytical tone throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Conversely', 'Subsequently', and 'In detail', which help guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. The transition between the two groups of sectors is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow of information is natural, and the structure supports the overall argument without any mechanical or repetitive phrasing.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'delineates', 'upward trajectory', 'sharp escalation', and 'negligible'. The word choices are generally accurate and appropriate for an academic report. There is a good level of flexibility, and you have avoided repetitive language by using varied verbs to describe trends. While the vocabulary is strong, it could be pushed further towards a more sophisticated level to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high-scoring response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and participial phrases like 'Initially starting at...'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly. You have demonstrated good control over tense usage, appropriately switching between past and present contexts to describe historical data and current states. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall control of syntax is impressive, reflecting a high level of accuracy.

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

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