Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The line graph illustrates changes in the number of jobs across four sectors of the economy in the US, namely manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and healthcare, over the period from 1960 to 2020.

Overall, it is evident that the figures followed varying trends over the given period, with some job sectors increasing, while others declined or remained steady. Manufacturing recorded the highest figure, whereas agriculture had the lowest figure. However, manufacturing decreased, while healthcare increased significantly over the period.

Looking at the details, manufacturing stood at 15 million jobs in 1960 and peaked at 20 million, but it fell dramatically to approximately 13 million by the end of the period. Moreover, retail started at roughly 6 million jobs and rose sharply to nearly 15.5 million in 2020.

Agriculture stood at almost 6 million jobs in 1960 and fell to approximately 2 million in 1980, and then remained relatively steady until the end of the period. Furthermore, healthcare started at 2 million jobs in 1960 and rose dramatically to roughly 16 million jobs in 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features, trends, and comparisons across the four economic sectors between 1960 and 2020. The overview effectively captures the general trends, noting that figures followed varying trajectories with manufacturing recording the highest and agriculture the lowest numbers initially. Key data points are accurately reported, such as manufacturing peaking at 20 million before falling to 13 million, and healthcare rising dramatically to 16 million. Data is well-selected and supports the comparisons made. Band score: 7.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph, followed by a well-defined overview paragraph, and concludes with two detailed body paragraphs that break down the data effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group information by sector trends. Cohesive devices are handled competently (e.g., 'namely', 'Overall', 'However', 'Moreover', 'Furthermore'), though there is a slight tendency to rely on sequential time markers. Referencing is clear throughout. Band score: 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task, employing terms such as 'illustrates', 'fluctuating', 'peaked', 'fell dramatically', and 'rose sharply'. Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of collocation, such as 'remaining relatively steady'. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but vocabulary usage is generally precise enough to convey the trends clearly and effectively. Band score: 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and participle phrases effectively (e.g., 'namely manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and healthcare, over the period'). Grammar and punctuation are under good control, with a high proportion of error-free sentences. Minor flaws do not impede communication at all. The control over tense usage (past simple for historical data) is consistent and accurate. Band score: 7.5.

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