Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-26
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)
The line chart illustrates the economy trends of four distinct job sectors in the US, which is manufacturing, retail, agriculture and healthcare. From 1960 to 2020. It is clearly seen that, retail and healthcare categories showed similar increments in their figures, Units are measured in millions.
To commence with, in 1960 manufacturing held first position, which was 15 millions and there was slightly rose to 20 millions in next year, in1980. Moreover, from that the ratio of this sector in US economy gradually decreased to 13 millions till the last year (2020). However, retail and healthcare sectors experienced identical growth in their figures throughout the given years from [redacted phone].
Furthermore, agriculture trend was quite different from retail job. In addition, 6 millions was there in first year then their figure fell to just under 5 millions and continues to plummeted over next three years, which was 1 millions in 2020.
Overall, it has been evident that manufacturing and agriculture ratio were decreased over the years as compared to other two sectors in US.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers all four sectors and provides a general overview, but the analysis is hindered by inaccurate data reporting. For instance, stating manufacturing rose to 20 million in 1980 is factually incorrect based on the provided graph, which shows a peak earlier. The description of the agriculture sector is also imprecise, as the data does not show a steady decline to 1 million by 2020. While the main features are identified, the lack of precision in data interpretation and the failure to make meaningful comparisons between the sectors limit the score. The response would benefit from a more careful reading of the axes and data points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused. Phrases like 'To commence with' and 'In addition' are used, but the logical flow between sentences is frequently disrupted by grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as 'from that the ratio of this sector', which makes it difficult to track the progression of ideas. While there is an overall attempt at a logical arrangement, the lack of smooth transitions and occasional confusion in referencing prevents a higher score.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. The student uses basic terms like 'increments', 'figures', and 'ratio' (which is misused here, as the graph shows absolute numbers, not ratios). There are also issues with word choice, such as 'economy trends' instead of 'economic trends' and 'continues to plummeted', which is grammatically incorrect. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the range of vocabulary is not sufficient to demonstrate flexibility or precision. To improve, the student should focus on using more varied verbs for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'surpassed', or 'remained stable'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('manufacturing and agriculture ratio were decreased'), tense usage ('continues to plummeted'), and sentence fragments ('From 1960 to 2020.'). The range of structures is limited, relying mostly on simple sentences with some attempts at complex ones that are often faulty. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While the reader can generally understand the intended meaning, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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