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 the highest employer 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 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, Healthcare accounted for 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 5.0

The response covers all four economic sectors shown in the graph and attempts to present an overview along with specific data points. However, there are significant factual inaccuracies in the body paragraphs that undermine the reliability of the report. For instance, the student states that Retail started at 6 million and rose to 16 million, which misinterprets the trend lines. Additionally, the overview contains a contradiction by stating both that Retail represented the highest employer and that Manufacturing started highest in 1960. While the main features are partially outlined, the data reporting contains errors that prevent it from achieving a higher band. To reach a higher level, ensure that visual data is read accurately and that the overview strictly reflects the overarching trends without internal contradictions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into four paragraphs, following a logical structure with an introduction, an overview, and detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Looking at the details', and 'In contrast' are employed to guide the reader through the text. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate general trends from specific data points. However, the progression within the body paragraphs feels slightly mechanical, and referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the abrupt transitions between the descriptions of different sectors. Overall arrangement is coherent, but the lack of smoother transitions and the factual errors slightly disrupt the logical flow of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, incorporating terms such as 'sector', 'economy', 'upward trend', and 'fluctuations'. There are successful attempts to use descriptive verbs and adverbial phrases like 'fell steadily', 'rose steadily', and 'remained relatively stable'. However, there are instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'Retail showed the number of jobs 6 million' and 'Manufacturing represented the highest sector', which lack precision. Spelling is generally accurate, but the lexical range remains somewhat repetitive and basic, fitting the band 6 descriptor where vocabulary is sufficient for the task but lacks sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including introductory subordinate clauses like 'While in 1960, Retail showed...'. There is good control over basic tense usage when referring to past trends, and punctuation is generally handled correctly. However, grammatical errors and awkward syntax appear throughout the text, such as missing prepositions or incorrect verb complementation in phrases like 'Agriculture represented the number of jobs at 6 million'. Despite these errors, communication is not impeded, and the sentence forms provide a sufficient mix of simple and complex constructions to meet the criteria for band 6.

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

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