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 the retail and healthcare sectors was on the rise. However, at the end of the given time period, a downward trend is visible for the manufacturing and agricultural industries.
For retail and healthcare sectors, the number of jobs was more than 15 million in 2020, which was just above 5 million and approximately 2 million in 1960, respectively. These two sectors have experienced a gradual increase in numbers.
On the other hand, the manufacturing industry, which started with 15 million jobs in 1960, increased to 20 million by 1980. However, then it gradually decreased to less than 15 million in 2020. Though the agricultural industry also shows a similar decreasing trend, it never increased in the given years. Starting from just above 5 million, the number of jobs in this sector reached its lowest point at just above 1 million in 2020.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response successfully covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features and making relevant comparisons across the four economic sectors. The overview clearly highlights the contrasting trends between the rising retail and healthcare sectors and the declining manufacturing and agricultural industries. Specific data points, such as the 15 million threshold in 2020 and the 1960 starting figures, are accurately reported to support the description. The information is well-selected, and the comparisons are logically integrated, demonstrating a clear understanding of the visual data without missing any major trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The report exhibits a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information is suitably divided into paragraphs, starting with an introductory paraphrase, followed by a clear overview paragraph, and concluding with detailed body paragraphs broken down by sector trajectories. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'However', and 'On the other hand' are used effectively to guide the reader through the comparisons, though referencing could occasionally be slightly smoother. Paragraphing is used appropriately and supports the overall structure of the academic response.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms like 'downward trend', 'gradually increase', and 'lowest point'. Less common lexical items and collocations, such as 'economic sectors' and 'decreasing trend', are utilized with reasonable accuracy and awareness of style. While the vocabulary is mostly adequate and precise, there are minor instances of repetition regarding basic verbs and descriptors. However, word choices do not impede communication, and the language remains appropriate for an academic report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
A good mix of simple and complex sentence structures is employed throughout the text, such as in the opening relative clause and concessive clauses like 'Though the agricultural industry also shows a similar decreasing trend...'. The majority of sentences are grammatically sound, and punctuation is handled well. There are occasional minor issues, but these do not impede communication or cause difficulty for the reader. Control over tense usage for past data spanning from 1960 to 2020 is consistently maintained.
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