Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-21
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 8.5)
The line graph illustrates the number of jobs in four sectors of the US economy between 1960 and 2020, with figures given in millions.
Overall, employment in retail and healthcare increased throughout the period, whereas agriculture experienced an overall decline. Manufacturing was the only sector to rise initially before falling after reaching a peak in 1980. By 2020, retail and healthcare had the highest employment figures, while agriculture had the lowest.
Looking first at the sectors that showed a downward or mixed trend, manufacturing started at 15 million jobs in 1960 and then rose to a peak of 20 million in 1980. However, its figure subsequently declined, falling to 17 million in 2000 and 13 million by 2020. Agriculture, by contrast, followed a generally downward trend. It stood at 6 million jobs in 1960, before dropping to 3 million in 1980. This figure then remained unchanged in 2000 and fell slightly further to 2 million in 2020. Thus, manufacturing remained considerably higher than agriculture throughout the period.
Turning to the two sectors that experienced sustained growth, retail increased steadily from 6 million jobs in 1960 to 10 million in 1980, before reaching 15 million in 2000 and 16 million in 2020. Healthcare recorded an even more substantial increase. Starting at just 2 million jobs in 1960, the figure rose to 5 million in 1980 and 11 million in 2000, before reaching 16 million in 2020. Notably, healthcare and retail ended the period at the same level of 16 million jobs, despite healthcare having started at only one-third of the retail figure.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main features, such as the overall growth in retail and healthcare, the decline in agriculture, and the peak-and-decline pattern of manufacturing. The data is accurately reported, and you have made effective comparisons, such as noting that healthcare started at one-third of the retail figure but ended at the same level. The overview is concise and accurately reflects the key trends, fulfilling the requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data effectively by trend (downward/mixed vs. sustained growth). Cohesive devices such as 'by contrast', 'subsequently', and 'notably' are used naturally to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends, and the progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.5
You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'sustained growth', 'overall decline', and 'recorded an even more substantial increase' are used accurately and in the correct context. The language is sophisticated and natural, showing a high level of control. There are no errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic nature of the task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as 'Notably, healthcare and retail ended the period at the same level of 16 million jobs, despite healthcare having started at only one-third of the retail figure.' Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no grammatical errors. The control over sentence structure is excellent, making the text very readable and professional.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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