Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)
The bar chart illustrates information about the number of jobs in four sectors of the US economy between 1960 and 2020.
Overall, after examining the graph, it is noticeable that the number of jobs in the retail and healthcare sectors increased dramatically, whereas employment in the agriculture sector experienced fluctuations. In contrast, the manufacturing sector showed an overall decline.
To begin with, the number of jobs in manufacturing increased in the initial years, reaching 20 million before experiencing a decline. After that, it decreased further and fell to 11 million in 2020. However, the number of jobs in the retail sector stood at 5 million in the initial year and subsequently saw a significant rise, reaching a peak of 15 million.
Furthermore, there was a slight drop in the number of jobs in agriculture in 1980, after which the figure fluctuated in the following years. Although the agriculture sector experienced fluctuations, the number of jobs in the healthcare sector showed an upward trend. It stood at 5 million initially and increased further over the following decades, reaching its highest point of 15 million in 2020
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the four economic sectors between 1960 and 2020. An appropriate overview is provided in the second paragraph, capturing the overall trends such as the dramatic increases in retail and healthcare, the fluctuations in agriculture, and the overall decline in manufacturing. Key data points are selected and reported effectively, such as mentioning the peak of 15 million for retail and healthcare. While some specific year-on-year data details could be further elaborated, the task response is well-structured and fully covers the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report, aligning well with Band 7 descriptors.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are presented in a logical sequence starting with an introduction and overview, followed by well-defined body paragraphs detailing specific sectors. Cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'in contrast', 'to begin with', and 'furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on distinct elements of the graph. The overall progression is smooth and clear, which fits comfortably within the Band 7 descriptors.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report, incorporating terms like 'fluctuated', 'significant rise', 'upward trend', and 'overall decline'. There is some attempt to use less common lexical items related to data trends. Word choice is generally accurate, although some phrases are slightly repetitive (such as 'number of jobs'). Minor inaccuracies do not impede communication. The lexical range is adequate for flexibility and precision, supporting a solid Band 6.5 or 7.0 score, best represented by a 6.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The writing exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including subordinate clauses such as 'whereas employment in the agriculture sector experienced fluctuations' and 'Although the agriculture sector experienced fluctuations...'. Grammar and punctuation are generally well-controlled, and there are frequent error-free sentences. While minor slips occur, they do not impede communication. The grammatical range and accuracy align well with the Band 7 criteria, showing good control over complex structures.
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