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 was the highest employer in 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 at 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 5.5

The student covers all four sectors mentioned in the graph and provides an overview with key trends. However, there are some inaccuracies in reporting the data. For instance, the student states that 'Retail was the highest employer in the economy in the US' overall, which is incorrect as Manufacturing started higher at 15 million in 1960 and Retail only surpassed it later in the period. Additionally, Manufacturing peaked at 20 million in 1980 rather than falling steadily from 1960. The statement that Healthcare remained relatively stable contradicts the data showing a massive rise from 2 million to 16 million. These factual inaccuracies in data interpretation prevent the response from achieving a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is structured into logical paragraphs, including an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs detailing the data. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the text, such as 'Overall', 'Looking at the details', and 'In contrast'. However, some of the linking is repetitive, with excessive reliance on 'It then rose steadily' and 'It then fell steadily'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and body details, but the logical progression within the body is occasionally hindered by the repetitive phrasing and minor grouping issues.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms related to economic sectors ('Manufacturing', 'Retail', 'Agriculture', 'Healthcare') and trend descriptions ('upward trend', 'fluctuations', 'rose steadily', 'fell steadily'). However, vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, with 'rose steadily' and 'fell steadily' used multiple times. There are also occasional lexical inaccuracies, such as describing Healthcare as remaining 'relatively stable' despite a dramatic eightfold increase. Overall, the vocabulary is minimally adequate for conveying the main features of the chart.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as introductory prepositional phrases ('Looking at the details, in 1960, Manufacturing represented...') and subordinate-like clauses. Grammatical accuracy is generally acceptable; simple sentences are mostly correct, and punctuation is handled adequately. However, there are repetitive structural patterns and a lack of advanced complex grammatical forms. Errors do not impede communication, but the limited range of complex structures keeps the score at this level.

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