Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-17

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 line chart illustrates the number of jobs in four sectors of the economy in the US between [redacted phone].

Overall, it is clear that the manufacturing sector had the highest number of jobs at the beginning in 1960, while retail and healthcare sectors had the highest figures in 2020. The agriculture sector had the lowest number of jobs througout the period.

In 1960 the manufacturing sector had the highest number of jobs at 20 millions. This figure then decreased around to 14 millions in 2020. In contrast, the number of jobs in retail increased over the period, reaching around 15.5 million in 2020.

Turning to the remaining sectors, the number of jobs in the healthcare sector stood at approximately 1 million in 1960. In 2020, it increased around 15.5 million. Similarly, the agriculture sector decreased from around 5.5 million to 1 million during the same period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student successfully identifies the main trends and makes relevant comparisons across the four sectors, noting the dominance of manufacturing initially and the growth of retail and healthcare by the end of the period. However, there are some data inaccuracies: the student states that manufacturing started at '20 millions' when the visual shows it at 15 million, and misinterprets the starting point for healthcare. Furthermore, because the response falls slightly short of the 150-word minimum at 146 words, a minor penalty is applied under Task Achievement, bringing the score to a 5.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is structured into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, moving to an overview, and then detailing specific sectors. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader, with phrases like 'Overall, it is clear that', 'In contrast', and 'Turning to the remaining sectors'. However, paragraphing and referencing could be smoother, and some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Overall progression is apparent, making the structure adequate for a Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, featuring appropriate terms such as 'illustrates', 'sector', 'economy', 'decreased', and 'increased'. Attempts are made at less common phrasing, but there are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and number formulation, such as writing 'at 20 millions' instead of '20 million'. Lexical control is sufficient to communicate the main points, but repetitive vocabulary structures cap this criterion at a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as introductory dependent clauses followed by main clauses ('Overall, it is clear that...'). Grammatical accuracy is fair, though there are minor slips such as 'decreased around to 14 millions' (preposition misuse) and spacing errors. The majority of simple sentences are accurate, and complex structures do not impede communication, comfortably supporting a Band 6.0.

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

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