Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The line graph demonstrates the number of jobs in four different economic sectors of the US from 1960 to 2020.

Overall, manufacturing sector started with the highest number of jobs. Agriculture sector lagged behind all providing lowest rate of employment. However, sectors of retail and healthcare surged with time in terms of providing jobs.

Manufacturing sector started with highest number of jobs at 15 million in 1960 and grew steadily fo further twenty years. The sector then took a sharp dip after, for forty years till 2020 with jobs less than 15 million. On the other hand, the retail sector jobs continued to rise from year 1960 to 2000 surging from around 5 million to a little above 15 million.

Furthermore, jobs in agriculture sector declined sharply from 1960 to 1980 and then showed slight fluctuation till 2020. Healthcare sector emplyment rose continuously overall. Highest number of jobs for both retail and healthcare sectors were equal in year 2020 with a number a little above 15 million.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by identifying the main trends and making relevant comparisons across the four economic sectors. The overview correctly highlights the starting position of manufacturing, the low levels of agriculture, and the growth in retail and healthcare. Key features are supported with data points, such as manufacturing starting at 15 million in 1960 and the convergence of retail and healthcare at just above 15 million in 2020. While some minor details could be further elaborated, the student provides a clear summary of the overall graph, satisfying the requirements for Band 6.5 to 7.0. Because the response is fully developed and accurate in its reporting, it achieves a solid Band 7.0 for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The report displays a clear overall progression, moving logically from an introduction and overview into detailed body paragraphs analyzing specific sectors. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is at times mechanical or somewhat abrupt, such as the frequent reliance on 'started with' and basic transitional phrases like 'Furthermore' and 'On the other hand'. Referencing is generally clear, but the lack of articles in places (e.g., 'manufacturing sector started', 'agriculture sector lagged') creates slight cohesion bumps. Overall, the logical organization is clear throughout, earning a Band 6.5 rounded to 6.0 based on the mechanical nature of the cohesive devices.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, incorporating terms such as 'surged', 'steady', 'fluctuation', and 'declined sharply'. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, though occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation occur, such as 'emplyment' (spelling error) and phrasing like 'jobs with less than 15 million'. Precision is occasionally lacking, but the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning without impeding communication. These characteristics place the response firmly in the Band 6.0 category, as the lexical range is adequate and permits clear communication despite minor errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writing demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with examples of subordinate clauses and passive-like structures. There are several grammatical errors, predominantly involving missing articles (e.g., 'manufacturing sector', 'retail sector', 'healthcare sector emplyment') and awkward prepositional usage ('for further twenty years', 'jobs less than 15 million'). However, these errors rarely impede communication and the meaning remains clear throughout the text. The balance of correct simple sentences alongside attempted complex structures aligns well with the criteria for Band 6.0.

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