Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The line graph illustrates the number of jobs, measured in millions, in four sectors of the US economy between 1960 and 2020.
Overall, manufacturing was the largest source of employment in 1960 and reached a peak in 1980 before declining steadily. In contrast, retail and healthcare experienced substantial growth over the period, while agriculture showed a gradual decrease. By 2020, retail and healthcare had become the two largest sectors.
In 1960, manufacturing employed around 15 million people, considerably more than retail and agriculture, both of which stood at approximately 6 million. Manufacturing then rose to a peak of 20 million jobs in 1980, before falling to 17 million in 2000 and 13 million in 2020. Agriculture followed the opposite pattern, declining from 6 million jobs in 1960 to 3 million in 1980. It remained unchanged in 2000 and then fell slightly to just 2 million by 2020.
Retail employment increased consistently throughout the period. Starting at 6 million jobs in 1960, the figure rose to 10 million in 1980 and 15 million in 2000, before reaching 16 million in 2020. Healthcare experienced an even more dramatic rise, from only 2 million jobs in 1960 to 5 million in 1980 and 11 million in 2000. By 2020, employment in this sector had reached 16 million, equal to the figure for retail.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response provides a fully developed and accurate overview of the main trends shown in the graph. The student successfully reports the key features for all four economic sectors across the given time frame of 1960 to 2020. Important data points, such as manufacturing peaking at 20 million in 1980 and healthcare surging to match retail at 16 million by 2020, are accurately cited and compared. There are no inaccuracies or missing trends, and the information is well-grounded in the provided visual data, fulfilling all requirements of Task Achievement at a high level.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The report is logically structured with a clear introduction, an effective overview paragraph, and well-organized body paragraphs that group data by sectors and time periods. Cohesive devices are used naturally and appropriately to guide the reader through the data, as seen with phrases like 'In contrast,' 'Manufacturing then rose,' and 'Beginning at.' Paragraphing is logical, separating the general overview from the detailed numerical comparisons without any mechanical transitions.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The student uses a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. Less common items such as 'substantial growth,' 'declining steadily,' 'opposite pattern,' and 'dramatic rise' are used effectively. Word choice and collocations are accurate throughout, demonstrating a strong command of lexical features. There are no notable spelling or word-choice errors that detract from the overall quality of the writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The writing exhibits a wide range of complex structures used accurately and flexibly. Sentences are well-constructed, incorporating participial phrases and subordinate clauses smoothly, such as 'Starting at 6 million jobs in 1960, the figure rose...' and 'Manufacturing then rose to a peak of 20 million jobs in 1980, before falling to 17 million in 2000.' The majority of sentences are completely error-free, with excellent control over punctuation and grammar throughout the response.
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.