Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-12

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 7.5)

The graph illustrates changes in the number of jobs in four sectors of the US economy between 1960 and 2020.

Overall, employment increased substantially in most sectors over the period, although the trends were not uniform. Manufacturing initially experienced growth before declining towards the end of the period, whereas agriculture and healthcare recorded considerable increases. Retail also showed an overall upward trend.

In 1960, manufacturing provided approximately 15 million jobs, making it one of the largest sources of employment among the four sectors. The number subsequently increased, reaching a higher level by 1980. However, this upward trend was not sustained. From 2000 onwards, manufacturing employment fell, eventually reaching roughly 10–15 million jobs in 2020. Agriculture followed a markedly different pattern. Starting at only around 5 million jobs, employment in this sector rose considerably, reaching approximately 10–15 million by the 2000s and between 15 and 20 million by 2020.

The remaining sectors experienced predominantly positive trends. Retail employment increased overall, despite some fluctuations during the period. Healthcare likewise saw substantial growth, particularly towards the latter part of the period. By 2020, both sectors had considerably more jobs than they had in 1960. Thus, while manufacturing ended the period below its earlier peak, employment in the other sectors expanded significantly over the six decades shown.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the four sectors. An effective overview is provided in the second paragraph, capturing the overall upward trend in employment despite non-uniform patterns. Key data points and trends, such as the initial growth and subsequent decline of manufacturing versus the considerable increases in agriculture and healthcare, are accurately reported. The response demonstrates a clear understanding of the graph without omitting major details. This performance aligns well with the Band 8 descriptor for covering all parts of the task well with well-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically sequenced and easy to follow. Ideas are well-organized into a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, body paragraphs detailing specific sectors, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'however', and 'subsequently' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through comparisons. Paragraphing is fully logical and appropriate, with each paragraph serving a distinct function in developing the response. Overall, the structural flow meets the criteria for Band 8 through skilful management of cohesion and clear progression.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. Phrases like 'employment increased substantially', 'marked a distinctly different pattern', and 'fluctuations during the period' demonstrate a good command of lexical items related to economic trends. There is successful usage of less common vocabulary with appropriate collocations. Although minor vocabulary choices could occasionally be elevated, the current selection is accurate and precise, fitting comfortably within the Band 7 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences featuring subordinate clauses and participial phrases, such as 'Starting at only around 5 million jobs, employment in this sector rose considerably'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is strong throughout the text. Minor slips or awkward turns of phrase are extremely rare and do not impede communication at all, placing this response solidly at Band 8 for grammatical range and accuracy.

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