Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The line graph illustrates the number of jobs, measured in millions, in four sectors of the US economy between 1960 and 2020.

Overall, manufacturing was the largest source of employment in 1960 and reached a peak in 1980 before declining steadily. In contrast, retail and healthcare experienced substantial growth over the period, while agriculture showed a gradual decrease. By 2020, retail and healthcare had become the two largest sectors.

In 1960, manufacturing employed around 15 million people, considerably more than retail and agriculture, both of which stood at approximately 6 million. Manufacturing then rose to a peak of 20 million jobs in 1980, before falling to 17 million in 2000 and 13 million in 2020. Agriculture followed the opposite pattern, declining from 6 million jobs in 1960 to 3 million in 1980. It remained unchanged in 2000 and then fell slightly to just 2 million by 2020.

Retail employment increased consistently throughout the period. Starting at 6 million jobs in 1960, the figure rose to 10 million in 1980 and 15 million in 2000, before reaching 16 million in 2020. Healthcare experienced an even more dramatic rise, from only 2 million jobs in 1960 to 5 million in 1980 and 11 million in 2000. By 2020, employment in this sector had reached 16 million, equal to the figure for retail.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and effectively selecting and reporting the main features of the four economic sectors between 1960 and 2020. The student successfully highlights key trends, such as the dominance and subsequent decline of manufacturing alongside the substantial growth in retail and healthcare, and makes relevant comparisons throughout, such as noting that retail and healthcare reached equal figures by 2020. Data points from the graph are accurately cited to support the descriptions, such as manufacturing reaching 'a peak of 20 million jobs in 1980'. The information is well-selected, fully meeting the requirements for Task Achievement at a high level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The report demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically by sector and time period, with a concise and effective introduction followed by an overarching summary paragraph. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'before falling', and 'starting at' are used naturally and flexibly to connect ideas and guide the reader smoothly through the data. Paragraphing is managed appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct function in structuring the response. Referencing and substitution are clear, contributing to a cohesive and easy-to-read overview.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical resource appropriate for an academic report. Vocabulary choices are precise and varied, utilizing strong reporting and trend-describing terms such as 'substantial growth', 'gradual decrease', 'consistently throughout', and 'dramatic rise'. There is skilful use of less common items and collocation, and word choices are entirely natural. Spelling and word formation are flawless, reflecting a sophisticated control of vocabulary that fully satisfies the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response features a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with participial phrases and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Manufacturing then rose to a peak of 20 million jobs in 1980, before falling to 17 million in 2000...'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, demonstrating excellent control over tense consistency and punctuation. Any minor structural combinations are handled with complete accuracy. The control of grammar supports smooth communication and reflects a high level of proficiency.

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