Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-23

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 5.0)

In the given graph represents the information about the number of jobs in different four sectors of the economy in the country US in different years between 1960 to 2020.

Overall, the largest number of jobs available in manufacturing in that period of time.

In 1960, 15 millions of jobs be in manufacturing and until coming 1980 it increased upto 20 millions but after that it starts decreasing and in 2000 it be 17 millions and in 2020 be only 8 millions. after that retailing jobs be 6 million in 1960 and starts increasing be 2020. It shows raised almost 10millions numbers of jobs in retailing.

In agriculture, the number of jobs decreased every year. It comes on 3millions jobs in 2020 from 6 millions jobs in 1960. In healthcare sector the number of jobs increases alot. In 1960 it be 3millions, in 1980 be 5millions, in 2020 be 11 millions and at the end be 16 millions in 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers all four sectors and provides some data points, but the reporting is inconsistent and contains inaccuracies. For instance, the statement that manufacturing had the largest number of jobs throughout the period is not fully supported by the data, and the figures provided for the healthcare sector are contradictory (stating 11 million and 16 million for the same year, 2020). While the main features are identified, the lack of precision and the presence of factual errors in data reporting prevent a higher score. The overview is present but lacks the necessary clarity to fully satisfy the requirements of a Band 6.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited and often repetitive (e.g., 'in 1960', 'in 2020'). There is a lack of variety in linking words, and the transition between sentences feels disjointed. While the overall arrangement is coherent enough to follow the general trend, the lack of sophisticated referencing and logical flow between the sectors limits the score to a Band 5.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive, relying heavily on simple verbs like 'increases' and 'decreased'. There are errors in word formation and collocation, such as '15 millions of jobs' (should be '15 million jobs') and 'it comes on 3millions jobs'. The range of vocabulary is just adequate to convey the basic information, but it lacks the precision and variety required for higher bands. The student struggles to use more academic terminology to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'declined'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are persistent issues with subject-verb agreement and tense usage, such as '15 millions of jobs be in manufacturing' and 'it starts decreasing'. The sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences are often marred by errors. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around numbers and units. The lack of control over basic grammatical structures is a significant weakness.

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