Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-19

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 8.0)

The line graph illustrates the number of jobs across four major sectors of the economy in the US over a 60-year period starting from 1960. Overall, the manufacturing industry was the dominant employer for the majority of the timeframe, while the agricultural sector consistently maintained the smallest workforce. Over the period, healthcare and retail experienced a steady upward trend, whereas manufacturing and agriculture showed an overall downward trend. In 1960, manufacturing jobs stood at approximately 15 million. This figure rose to a peak of 20 million in 1980 before steadily dropping to 13 million by the end of 2020. Conversely, the healthcare field expanded dramatically, with employment positions climbing from 2.5 million to 16 million over the 60 years. Between 1960 and 2000, the retail sector generated more jobs, showing a consistent increase of 5 million every two decades, which then plateaued from 2000 to 2020. Meanwhile, agriculture employed around 3 million people in 1980, which was half of its 1960 total, and experienced negligible changes from that point onward.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the line graph, making relevant comparisons across the four sectors, and providing a clear overview. The data cited is accurate and closely aligns with the provided visual information, such as manufacturing peaking at 20 million in 1980 and healthcare climbing to 16 million. Key trends are well identified, and the response demonstrates a fully developed understanding of the visual data without missing major shifts. Therefore, the performance aligns well with the requirements for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with a well-formulated introductory sentence and an effective overview paragraph that summarises the main trends. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data, such as 'Overall', 'Conversely', and 'Meanwhile'. Information is grouped logically by sector and time period, ensuring that the relationships between the datasets are clear. Paragraphing is handled well, contributing to the seamless readability of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for an Academic Task 1 response. Less common lexical items and functional phrases are used effectively, such as 'dominant employer', 'upward trend', 'plateaued', and 'negligible changes'. Word choices are generally accurate and suited to the formal style required for data description. Minor inaccuracies are absent, and the terminology regarding economic sectors and statistical trends is handled with good control and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The text displays a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring effective subordination and participial clauses (e.g., 'This figure rose to a peak of 20 million in 1980 before steadily dropping to 13 million by the end of 2020'). Grammatical control over tense consistency and numerical referencing is strong, with only occasional minor slips that do not impede communication or detract from the overall fluency of the writing.

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