Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-07

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 7.0)

The line chart demonstrates the number of employment opportunities in manufacturing, retail, agriculture and healthcare sectors in US between 1960 and 2020.

Overall, manufacturing employed the largest number of people at the beginning of the period, but its figure declined considerably by 2020. In contrast, employment in healthcare and retail increased substantially while agriculture experienced a gradual decrease.

In 1960, manufacturing accounted for approximately 15 million jobs, considerably more than retail and agriculture, at around 6 million respectively. Healhcare accumulated the fewest jobs, at roughly 3 million. By 1980, manufacturing rose to 20 million before falling to about 17 million in 2000 and futhermore to 13 million by 2020.

Retail followed a different pattern, increasing steadily from 6 million jobs in 1960 to 10 million in 1980 before settling down for 16 million by the end of 2020. Healthcare also grew consistently, reaching around 15 million by the end of the period. Meanwhile, agriculture employment fell slightly, from about 6 million to just 2 million.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview that highlights the main trends, such as the decline in manufacturing and the growth in healthcare and retail. Key features are selected and supported with relevant data points from the graph. The comparison between sectors is well-integrated throughout the report. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are accurately transcribed; for instance, the graph shows manufacturing starting at 15 million, but your description of the 1980 peak and subsequent decline is well-handled. The summary is concise and meets the requirements for an Academic Task 1 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central focus, moving from an introduction and overview to specific details about the sectors. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'By 1980' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the supporting details. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the different sectors is clearly established, making the report easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information with precision. Phrases like 'declined considerably', 'increased substantially', and 'gradual decrease' show a good command of descriptive language. There are minor slips, such as 'Healhcare' (spelling) and 'futhermore' (spelling/usage), but these do not impede communication. You use sector-specific terminology appropriately. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'jobs' or 'employment' to avoid repetition, and ensure careful proofreading to eliminate minor spelling errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and the control of grammar is generally strong. There are a few minor issues, such as the phrasing 'at around 6 million respectively' (where 'respectively' is used incorrectly as there is only one figure mentioned for two categories) and the minor spelling errors noted previously. However, these do not interfere with the clarity of the report. The use of time markers and prepositions is generally accurate, contributing to the overall readability of the text.

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