Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-15

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 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 response covers all four sectors and reports the main features and comparisons between 1960 and 2020. However, there are some inaccuracies in reporting the data. For instance, the student states that Retail showed 'the highest employer of the economy in the US', which is inaccurate as Manufacturing and Healthcare peaked higher (reaching 20 million and 16/17 million respectively, whereas Retail reached 16 million). Furthermore, Manufacturing peaked at 20 million in 1980 according to the graph, but the student describes it as starting at 15 million in 1960 and falling steadily, missing the intermediate peak. Nevertheless, an overall trend is provided, and key data points are attempted, placing this in the Band 5.5 to 6.0 range.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, starting with an introduction, followed by an overview paragraph, and then body paragraphs detailing the trends. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Looking at the details', and 'In contrast' are used to structure the text. However, paragraphing and referencing are slightly mechanical, and the overview contains factual flaws that weaken the logical progression of ideas. Cohesion overall is adequate, and the progression of information is generally clear, justifying a Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, such as 'sector', 'economy', 'upward trend', and 'fluctuations'. However, there is some awkward phrasing and repetition, such as 'represented the number of jobs at 6 million' and 'accounted for the number of jobs at 2 million', which lack natural collocation. Less common lexical items are attempted but lack precision. Spelling is accurate throughout, resulting in a solid Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'The graph illustrates the number of jobs... which remained relatively stable despite minor fluctuations.' There are some awkward grammatical constructions, such as 'Retail had the number of jobs 6 million', which lack necessary prepositions or verbs. However, these errors do not impede communication, and punctuation is generally handled correctly. This fits the Band 6.0 criteria well.

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.