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 an upward trend. Retail represented a most significant job of the economy in the US. Moreover, the Healthcare sector remained relatively stable despite minor fluctuations.

Looking at the details, in 1960, Manufacturing represented the highest number of sector 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 student successfully covers all four sectors of the economy (Manufacturing, Retail, Agriculture, and Healthcare) and provides a clear overview of the trends between 1960 and 2020. Key data points are reported, such as Manufacturing starting at 15 million in 1960 and falling to 12 million in 2020, and Retail rising from 6 million to 16 million. However, there are some minor factual inaccuracies or awkward phrasing in reporting specific figures, such as stating 'Manufacturing represented the highest number of sector' instead of sector employment. Overall, the main features and comparisons are adequately highlighted, meeting the requirements for a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into an introduction, an overview paragraph, and two body paragraphs detailing the specific data. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Looking at the details', and 'In contrast' are used to guide the reader through the information. However, paragraphing and referencing can feel slightly mechanical and repetitive in structure ('It then fell steadily', 'It then rose steadily'). Cohesion is generally adequate, but lacks the flexibility needed for higher bands, placing this response solidly at a Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms related to economic sectors and trends such as 'upward trend', 'stable', 'fluctuations', and 'fell steadily'. However, there are noticeable lexical inaccuracies and awkward collocations, such as 'Retail represented a most significant job of the economy' and 'the highest number of sector'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with mixed success. These errors do not impede communication, making this appropriate for a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'While in 1960, Retail showed the number of jobs 6 million.' There are several grammatical errors and awkward structures throughout the text, including missing prepositions and incorrect verb complementation (e.g., 'the Healthcare accounted to the number of jobs'). Despite these errors, the sentences are generally understandable and communication is rarely impeded. This performance aligns with the Band 6.0 descriptors for grammatical accuracy and range.

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

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