Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-13

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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates the number of jobs in millions in four economic sectors of the United States- manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and healthcare from 1960 to 2020.

Overall, the number of jobs in retail and healthcare sectors was on the rise. However, at the end of the given time period, a downward trend is visible for manufacturing and agricultural industry.

For retail and healthcare sectors, the number of jobs is more than 15 millions in 2020, which was just above 5 millions and approximately 2 millions in 1960 respectively. These two sectors have experienced a gradual increase in numbers.

On the other hand, the manufacturing industry, which started from 15 millions jobs in 1960, increased to 20 millions by 1980. However, then it gradually decreased to less than 15 millions in 2020. Though the agricultural industry also shows a similar decreasing trend, it never increased in the given yeras. Starting from just above 5 millions, the number of jobs of this sector reached its lowest point at just above 1 million in 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and reporting the main features of the four economic sectors between 1960 and 2020. The student correctly identifies the upward trends in retail and healthcare, as well as the fluctuations and declines in manufacturing and agriculture. Key data points are selected and compared appropriately, such as the initial and final figures for the sectors, like stating that retail and healthcare reached 'more than 15 millions in 2020'. The overview is well-placed in the second paragraph and captures the main global trends accurately, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The report shows a clear logical organization with an introduction, an overall summary, and two body paragraphs dividing the rising and falling sectors. Information and ideas are logically sequenced throughout. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'However', 'For retail and healthcare sectors', and 'On the other hand' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different trends, ensuring that the structure supports the clarity of the report, aligning well with the Band 7.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task, including terms like 'downward trend', 'gradual increase', and 'fluctuating'. There are some minor lexical inaccuracies, such as using 'millions jobs' instead of 'million jobs' and 'yeras' (spelling slip), but these do not impede communication. Less common items like 'agricultural industry' and 'lowest point' are attempted with general success, demonstrating the flexibility required for a Band 6.5 or 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'which started from 15 millions jobs in 1960, increased to 20 millions by 1980.' There are some minor grammatical errors, notably pluralization issues like '15 millions' and '5 millions' where the singular 'million' is required when preceded by a number. However, the majority of sentences are grammatically sound, and punctuation is handled well. The control of grammar is generally good, supporting a Band 6.5 score.

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