Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The graph illustrates the number of jobs in four sectors of the economy in the US, namely Manufacturing, Retail, Agriculture and Healthcare over a sixty year period between 1960 and 2020.

Overall, the number of jobs in sectors such as Retail, Agriculture and Healthcare showed a upward trend. Retail represented a most significant job of the economy in the US. Moreover, Healthcare sector remained relatively stable despite minor fluctuations.

Looking at the details, in 1960, Manufacturing represented the highest number of jobs at 15 million. It then fell steadily to reach 12 million in 2020. While in 1960, Retail showed the number of jobs 6 million. It then rose steadily to reach 16 million in 2020. Furthermore, in 1960, Agriculture represented the number of jobs at 6 million and fell steadily to reach 2 million in 2020.

In contrast, in 1960, the Healthcare accounted to the number of jobs at 2 million. It then rose steadily to reach 16 million in 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all four economic sectors shown in the graph and attempts to make relevant comparisons, successfully meeting the core requirements of Task 1. In the overview, the student correctly identifies the general upward trend in sectors such as Retail, Agriculture, and Healthcare, although there is a factual error in the text regarding Agriculture, which actually fell rather than rose. The main features are reported, such as Manufacturing starting at 15 million and decreasing to 12 million, while Retail and Healthcare rose significantly to 16 million. However, some of the supporting data presentation is repetitive, relying heavily on formulas like 'It then rose steadily to reach...'. Despite these minor flaws in data interpretation and variety, all parts of the task are addressed, earning a solid band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear division into paragraphs: an introduction, an overview paragraph, and body paragraphs detailing specific data points. Logical sequencing is present, guiding the reader from general trends to specific figures. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical and repetitive, particularly with transitions like 'It then' and 'Furthermore'. Referencing is generally clear, but the lack of varied cohesive links limits the flow. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed body paragraphs, fulfilling the criteria for a band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms related to economic sectors ('Manufacturing', 'Retail', 'Agriculture', 'Healthcare') and trends ('rose steadily', 'fell steadily', 'stable'). However, there are notable lexical errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'showed a upward trend' (incorrect article usage), 'Retail represented a most significant job of the economy', and 'accounted to the number of jobs at'. These errors indicate a limited flexibility and occasional inaccurate word choice, restricting the lexical score to a 5.5. Attempts are made to use less common vocabulary, but control is inconsistent.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'While in 1960, Retail showed the number of jobs 6 million.' and 'The graph illustrates the number of jobs... over a sixty year period between 1960 and 2020.' However, grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. There are frequent errors with prepositions and articles, including 'a upward trend', 'accounted to the number of jobs at 2 million', and missing prepositions such as 'showed the number of jobs 6 million'. Despite these errors, the meaning is generally clear and does not impede overall communication. The range of structures is sufficient for a band 6.0.

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