Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates the number of jobs in millions in four economic sectors from 1960 to 2020 in the US.

Overall, the retail and healthcare sectors showed a stable increase in the number of jobs between 1960 and 2020. In stark contrast, employment opportunities in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors decreased overall.

In 1960, healthcare provided the least employment opportunities at about 2.5 million jobs per year, which increased to almost 16 million in 2020. This was the maximum increment among the four. The retail sector, which had around 6 million jobs in 1960 experienced considerable growth over the next few decades.

The manufacturing sector contributed the most during the 20th century. After that, it showed a decline in employment opportunities leaving about 14 million jobs. Even though there was a net reduction of only 1 million jobs, its ranking changed from first to third. The agriculture sector, which had around 5 million jobs in 1960, managed to show a steady decline to only 2.5 million jobs per year which was not even a quarter of what other sectors were contributing.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student covers all parts of the task well by providing a clear overview and highlighting key trends and comparisons across all four economic sectors. The introduction correctly identifies the scope of the graph, and the overview captures the main trajectories, such as the stable increase in retail and healthcare compared to the overall decline in manufacturing and agriculture. Specific data points from 1960 and 2020 are appropriately selected and reported, such as healthcare rising from about 2.5 million to almost 16 million. While the statement regarding manufacturing contributing the most 'during the 20th century' is slightly imprecise given the timeframe only starts in 1960, the response successfully presents an overall well-developed overview with appropriate comparisons, aligning well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

Information and ideas are logically organised, presenting a clear overall progression from the introduction to the overview, and subsequently into detailed body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate overall trends from specific sector details. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'Overall', 'In stark contrast', and 'Even though', ensuring the text flows smoothly. However, occasional referencing could be slightly tighter, such as the transition into the third paragraph. Overall, the logical structure and cohesive flow support a clear reading experience, satisfying the requirements for Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. Phrases like 'stable increase', 'in stark contrast', 'considerable growth', and 'net reduction' show a good attempt at less common lexical items. There are occasional slight awkwardnesses or minor inaccuracies, such as 'maximum increment' instead of 'largest increase' or 'most significant growth', but these do not impede communication. Spelling and word choice remain generally accurate throughout the response, securing a solid Band 6.5 to 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including subordinate clauses introduced by 'which' and concessive clauses using 'Even though'. Grammatical control is generally strong, with frequent error-free sentences, such as 'The line graph illustrates the number of jobs in millions in four economic sectors from 1960 to 2020 in the US.' Minor punctuation or structural slips are rare and do not impede communication. The variety of structures and reliable overall accuracy comfortably place this performance in the Band 7 category.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.