Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-14

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 chart illustrates data about the number of employed people in four sectors of the economy in the US from 1960 to 2020.

Overall, manufacturing was the leading sector at the beginning, which climbed for some time, then steadily dropped. Healthcare and retail showed almost the same trend. Nevertheless, agriculture failed to show any upward direction.

Looking at the chart, manufacturing started with 15% in 1960 and reached the top value of 20% in 1980. Subsequently, it dropped to 16% by 2020. On the other hand, retail and agriculture, both commenced at the same point of almost 6% but moved in opposite directions over the period. Retail depicted a continuous uptrend and culminated above 15% by the end of 2020.

Contrary to this, agriculture declined to less than 5% in two decades. It leveled off for the next twenty years and again plunged gradually to 2% by the end of the duration. However, starting from 2% healthcare surged steadily to the top of the chart joining retail at 16% by the end of the second decade of the 21st century.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and selecting and reporting the main features of the four economic sectors between 1960 and 2020. Key data points, such as manufacturing peaking at 20% in 1980 and retail culminating above 15%, are accurately cited and compared. The response presents a clear overall picture of the trends without irrelevant details. Although the exact units on the chart are percentages rather than absolute job numbers, the student interprets the given data correctly according to the visual prompt. This performance aligns well with the requirements for Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is divided into logical paragraphs, with a dedicated overview paragraph followed by detailed body paragraphs focusing on specific sectors. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Subsequently', 'On the other hand', and 'Contrary to this' are used appropriately to link ideas, although some transitions could be smoother. Referencing and substitution are generally well managed, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the comparison of trends over the sixty-year period. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, earning a solid Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision. Words and phrases such as 'uptrend', 'culminated', 'surged steadily', and 'leveled off' show an attempt to use less common items with an awareness of academic style. There are only occasional minor limitations or phrasing choices, but communication remains clear and effective throughout. The lexical range is adequate to convey the trends and proportions accurately, supporting a Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response makes use of a variety of complex structures alongside simple forms, such as 'Although agriculture failed to show any upward direction' and 'Contrary to this, agriculture declined to less than 5% in two decades.' There is a high proportion of error-free sentences, and good control of grammar and punctuation is demonstrated throughout the text. While minor slips may occur, they do not impede communication or obscure the meaning of the data presented. This level of grammatical control and variety comfortably fits the Band 7 descriptor.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.