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 graph illustrates the number of jobs available in four different sectors of the US economy between 1960 and 2020.

Overall, employment in the retail and healthcare sectors increased significantly over the period. In contrast, the number of jobs in manufacturing and agriculture declined. While manufacturing remained one of the largest employment sectors for most of the period, healthcare became the leading sector by 2020. Agriculture, meanwhile, was consistently the smallest employer.

In 1960, approximately 15 million people were employed in the manufacturing sector. This figure peaked at 20 million in 1980 before declining steadily to around 13 million by 2020. Regarding agriculture, about 6 million jobs were available in 1960. The number then fell to 3 million in 1980 and remained stable until 2000, after which it decreased further to roughly 2 million in 2020.

On the other hand, the retail and healthcare sectors experienced considerable growth throughout the period. In 1960, there were around 6 million jobs in retail and only 2 million in healthcare. By 1980, these figures had risen to 10 million and 5 million respectively. Employment in both sectors continued to increase, reaching approximately 15 million in retail and 16 million in healthcare by 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response effectively summarizes the data presented in the graph, noting key trends such as the growth in retail and healthcare sectors and the decline in manufacturing and agriculture. Specific data points are provided, allowing comparisons across sectors over time. However, the introduction could be slightly more comprehensive by stating the overall trend at the onset of the report. Overall, the task is achieved well with relevant details included throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The coherence and cohesion are generally strong, as the information flows logically through the comparison of sectors and the use of clear referencing to data points. Each paragraph is distinct, focusing on separate aspects, which aids clarity. Transition phrases like 'on the other hand' effectively connect contrasting data. Minor issues, such as a heavier reliance on "In 1960" or "by 2020," could be diversified to improve flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is appropriate and includes a range of terms relevant to the subject matter, such as "employment," "sector," "increased significantly," and "declined." However, there are opportunities to incorporate more academic synonyms or varied expressions to enhance lexical range. For instance, using "represented" instead of "were available" could elevate lexical sophistication further. Overall, the language used is clear and mostly accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The grammatical range and accuracy are quite good, with a variety of complex sentence structures used effectively. The sentences are mostly free from errors, indicating a solid command of grammar. However, occasional issues with tense consistency and phrasing might arise, particularly with phrases like "the number then fell to 3 million in 1980 and remained stable until 2000," where clarity could be enhanced. Still, these do not significantly detract from comprehension overall.

Overall feedback

You have done well in summarizing the data from the graph by clearly identifying trends and providing specific examples. Your report is organized logically, which aids in understanding. To improve further, consider expanding your introduction to encompass all main trends right away. Diversifying your vocabulary and sentence structures would also be beneficial; for example, try using synonyms and varying phrases to enhance the overall complexity of your response. Additionally, ensure consistency in your tenses to maintain clarity throughout the report.

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