Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the changes in employment figures across four economic sectors in the United States, Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare, and Agriculture from 1960 to 2020, measured in millions of jobs.

Overall, Healthcare and Retail experienced consistent upward trajectories throughout the 60-year period, with Healthcare exhibiting the most dramatic rise. Conversely, Manufacturing saw initial growth before experiencing a steady decline, while Agriculture remained the smallest employer with a slight downward drift.

In 1960, Manufacturing was by far the largest provider of jobs at 15 million, peaking at 20 million in 1980. However, this sector subsequently contracted, dropping to 17 million in 2000 and eventually falling to 13 million by 2020. In contrast, Retail started at 6 million in1960 and climbed steadily over the decades, overtaking Manufacturing around 2015 to reach 16 million by the end of the timeframe.

Healthcare began as the smallest sector in 1960 alongside Agriculture, offering only 2 million jobs in 1960. Over the following six decades, Healthcare witnessed substantial and uninterrupted expansion, matching Manufacturing at approximately 14 million jobs in 2015 and concluding at 16 million in 2020. Conversely, Agriculture started at 6 million jobs in 1960, dipped sharply to 3 million in 1980, and then slowly diminished to finish at just under 2 million in 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student has successfully covered all parts of the task by providing a comprehensive overview of the trends across all four sectors between 1960 and 2020. The response clearly highlights main features and makes relevant comparisons, such as noting that Healthcare experienced the most dramatic rise while Manufacturing saw an initial peak followed by a decline. Data points are accurately cited to support the descriptions, for instance, noting that Manufacturing peaked at 20 million in 1980 before falling to 13 million in 2020. The overview is clear and well-integrated, satisfying all requirements of the band descriptors for a high score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout the 60-year period. Information is logically grouped into paragraphs, with a strong introduction, a clear overall summary in the second paragraph, and detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'In contrast', and 'However' are used flexibly and appropriately to signal shifts in trends and relationships between the data sets. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate different sectors and comparisons, ensuring smooth navigation through the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student utilizes a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. Phrases like 'upward trajectories', 'dramatic rise', 'subsequently contracted', and 'uninterrupted expansion' demonstrate precise word choice and good collocation. There are only very occasional minor issues, such as a repeated 'in 1960' in the final paragraph, but these do not detract from the overall high quality of lexical control. Less common vocabulary items are used skilfully and naturally throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex sentence structures used accurately and flexibly. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates strong control over grammatical forms, subordination, and punctuation. Examples such as 'Although Healthcare began as the smallest sector...' or the participial clauses embedded in the descriptions show excellent command. Punctuation is accurate, and any minor slips are extremely rare and do not impede communication in any way.

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