Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The given line graph illustrate the job numbers in four economic sector of US between 1960 and 2020.
Overall manufacturing sector showed highest rank in start but it declined suddenly also healthcare and retail sector were on peak in final year.
In 1960 the retail sector had the highest number of jobs which was 15 and other three sectors were round about 2 to 6 jobs. In 1980 agriculture sector falls steadily by 3 jobs and manufacturing sector increased with considerable numbers which was 5.
In 2000 the healthcare sectors rapidly increased by 7 jobs while manufacturing sector delined dramatically.
In the final year the health care and retail sectors were on the highest rank with 17 job numbers,While other sectors Slowly decreased and the agricultural sector was on the Lowest point during all over the time period.
Health and retail sectors followed eachother during all years while and increased with matching ratio.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The student attempts to cover the main features of the chart, providing an overview and mentioning various sectors like manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and healthcare. However, the response contains several inaccurate data readings and misinterpretations. For instance, the student states that in 1960 retail had the highest number of jobs at 15 (when manufacturing was actually 15 and retail was 6) and makes numerous incorrect statements about changes in specific years, such as 'agriculture sector falls steadily by 3 jobs' in 1980. The overview is also rather simplistic and partially inaccurate regarding the starting ranks. Because the data reporting is significantly flawed and misaligned with the visual reference, the task achievement is limited. This aligns best with Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response attempts to use a paragraph structure, with a brief introduction, body details, and a concluding sentence. However, the progression of ideas is disjointed and difficult to follow due to poor linking and abrupt transitions. Sentences like 'In 1980 agriculture sector falls steadily by 3 jobs and manufacturing sector increased with considerable numbers which was 5' lack smooth cohesive ties. Furthermore, paragraphing is underdeveloped, and the final sentences fail to synthesise the data effectively. Repetitive referencing and mechanical use of cohesive devices place this response firmly in Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student demonstrates a basic vocabulary range suitable for describing simple trends, using words such as 'increased', 'decreased', 'sector', and 'highest'. However, there are frequent lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'job numbers' instead of 'number of jobs', 'economic sector of US', and 'matching ratio'. There are also spelling errors like 'delined' instead of 'declined'. The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive, occasionally causing strain for the reader. This performance reflects the descriptors for Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but control over grammar is weak. There are frequent grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('The given line graph illustrate'), missing articles ('in four economic sector of US'), and awkward prepositions ('on the Lowest point during all over the time period'). Punctuation is also problematic, including run-on sentences and comma splices, such as '...retail sectors were on the highest rank with 17 job numbers,While other sectors...'. Due to the frequency of errors that occasionally cause comprehension difficulty, a score of 5.0 is appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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