Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-01

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 given polyline graph provide comparative information regarding the number of jobs in four sector of economy in the US from 1960 to 2020 and the whole data had been measured in million.

As observed, the number of of jobs in the retail and healthcare sectors showed upward trends, while the inverse had been true in case of manufacturing and agriculture over the given period.

As per data, In 1990, the number of jobs in the retail sector was 6 million and after that it show a growth of 10 million reached at the highest on 16 million in 2020. In1990, the number of jobs in healthcare sector was 2.5 million and after that it showed a significant growth of 14.5 and reached at 16 million in 2020. In 1990, the number of jobs in manufacturing sector was 15 million and showed a drop of 2 million over the given period and reached at 13 million in 2020. in 1990, the number of jobs in

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response is incomplete as it cuts off mid-sentence, failing to cover the agriculture sector or provide a concluding summary. While the introduction and overview are present, the analysis is limited to only three of the four sectors. The data reporting is also inaccurate; for instance, the text claims the retail sector started at 6 million in 1990, whereas the graph shows data from 1960. By focusing only on the 1990-2020 period, you have failed to address the full timeframe requested (1960-2020). To improve, ensure you cover the entire period and all categories provided in the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay uses basic paragraphing and some cohesive devices like 'As observed' and 'As per data' to link ideas. However, the progression is hindered by the incomplete nature of the text. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the mechanical repetition of sentence structures makes the flow feel disjointed. To reach a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph transitions logically to the next, rather than simply listing data points in a repetitive manner.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for higher bands. You use terms like 'showed upward trends' and 'significant growth' correctly, but there are errors in word choice, such as 'polyline graph' (line graph) and 'four sector of economy' (sectors of the economy). The range is limited, and the repetition of phrases like 'the number of jobs in' reduces the sophistication of the response. Expanding your range of reporting verbs and nouns would improve your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'the whole data had been measured' (the data is measured), 'the inverse had been true' (the inverse is true), and 'reached at 16 million' (reached 16 million). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing capital letters at the start of sentences and erratic spacing. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions after verbs like 'reach'.

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

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