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 had 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 6.0

The student successfully covers all four economic sectors presented in the graph and provides a clear overview highlighting the main trends. Key data points such as initial and final figures for Manufacturing, Retail, Agriculture, and Healthcare are included. However, there is a factual error in the text when describing Agriculture: the student states it 'fell steadily to reach 2 million in 2020,' but the graph shows Agriculture starting at 6 million and dropping to approximately 1 million or less, or experiencing specific fluctuations, and Retail is mischaracterized in the overview as 'the highest employer of the economy' when Manufacturing started highest and Healthcare/Retail both ended at 16 million. Additionally, some data points lack precise comparative depth. Nevertheless, the main features are adequately reported, corresponding to a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is arranged coherently with a logical overall progression. It begins with an introductory sentence, followed by an overview paragraph, and then detailed body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate general trends from specific sector details. Cohesive devices such as 'Looking at the details,' 'In 1960,' and 'In contrast' are employed to guide the reader through the data. However, referencing and cohesion can feel slightly mechanical or repetitive, particularly the repeated use of 'In 1960' and 'It then rose steadily to reach' at the start of multiple sentences. This formulaic structure prevents the response from achieving a higher band, placing it solidly at Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using sector names and economic terms such as 'manufacturing,' 'retail,' 'agriculture,' 'healthcare,' and 'employer.' Less common vocabulary is attempted with varying degrees of success, such as 'upward trend' and 'fluctuations.' There are some awkward word choices and inaccuracies, such as 'Retail showed the highest employer' instead of 'Retail was the largest employer' or 'accounted for the most jobs.' Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication, matching the criteria for Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses like 'namely Manufacturing, Retail, Agriculture and Healthcare over a sixty-year period' and introductory prepositional phrases. There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as 'Retail had showed the number of jobs 6 million' (tense and preposition error) and 'Healthcare accounted for the number of jobs at 2 million' (unnatural collocation). Despite these errors in grammar and tense selection, they rarely impede communication, allowing the writer to secure a Band 6.0.

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