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 showed 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. 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
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response successfully covers all parts of the task by identifying and reporting the main features of the four economic sectors between 1960 and 2020. The student correctly highlights the upward trends in Retail, Healthcare, and Agriculture, as well as the downward trend in Manufacturing. An overview is included, capturing the general direction of the sectors, which is a key requirement for Academic Task 1. However, some data points contain inaccuracies or confusing phrasing; for example, the text states 'Retail showed the highest employer of the economy in the US' and later attributes identical end figures of 16 million to both Retail and Healthcare, despite slight visual nuances in the chart. Nevertheless, the main comparisons are made, earning a solid Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is arranged coherently with a logical overall progression. It is divided into an introduction, an overview paragraph, and distinct body paragraphs detailing specific trends. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall', 'Looking at the details', and 'In contrast', which help guide the reader through the data. However, referencing and paragraphing can sometimes feel mechanical, and the separation of data creates slight choppiness, particularly in the third paragraph where each sector is introduced formulaically with 'In 1960'. Paragraphing is sufficient and appropriate, though organizational transitions could be smoother. This aligns well with the Band 6 descriptor.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, successfully employing terms such as 'illustrates', 'upward trend', 'stable', 'fluctuations', and 'steadily'. However, there are noticeable limitations and awkward word choices, such as 'Retail showed the highest employer' (instead of 'Retail was the largest employer') and repetitive phrasing like 'represented the number of jobs' or 'rose steadily to reach'. While the vocabulary allows the message to be communicated clearly, it lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands, placing it comfortably at Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at subordinate clauses and comparative structures. There are several minor structural awkwardnesses and grammatical slips, such as 'Retail showed the number of jobs 6 million' (missing verbs or prepositions) and 'Manufacturing represented the highest sector'. Despite these errors, they rarely impede communication, and the meaning remains clear throughout. The control of grammar is generally sufficient for basic reporting, matching the criteria for Band 6.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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