Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-22
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 8.5)
The line graph illustrates changes in the number of jobs in four sectors of the US economy, namely manufacturing, retail, agriculture and healthcare, between 1960 and 2020. Figures are given in millions.
Overall, manufacturing was the largest source of employment in 1960 and remained the largest sector in 2000, but its employment figure declined considerably after reaching a peak in 1980. By contrast, retail and healthcare experienced substantial growth over the period, while agriculture saw a gradual decline. By 2020, retail and healthcare had become the two largest employers.
In 1960, manufacturing accounted for approximately 15 million jobs, considerably more than retail and agriculture, at around 6 million each, while healthcare had the fewest jobs, at only 2 million. Manufacturing employment then rose sharply to 20 million in 1980, before falling to approximately 17 million in 2000 and 13 million in 2020.
Retail followed a very different pattern. Its employment figure increased steadily from 6 million in 1960 to 10 million in 1980, before reaching 15 million in 2000 and approximately 16 million by 2020. Healthcare experienced an even more pronounced increase, rising from just 2 million jobs in 1960 to 5 million in 1980, followed by a substantial rise to 11 million in 2000 and 16 million in 2020.
Agriculture was the only other sector to decline overall. Employment fell from around 6 million in 1960 to 3 million in 1980, remained virtually unchanged in 2000, and then decreased further to approximately 2 million in 2020. Thus, over the 60-year period, employment shifted markedly away from manufacturing and agriculture towards retail and healthcare.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a thorough summary of the main features and trends shown in the graph. The overview is clear and accurately captures the overarching shifts, such as manufacturing declining after a peak while retail and healthcare grew significantly. Key data points for 1960, 1980, 2000, and 2020 are accurately cited and compared (e.g., manufacturing reaching 20 million in 1980 and dropping to 13 million by 2020). The response is fully developed and well-supported with relevant figures, meeting all criteria for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
Ideas are logically sequenced with a clear overall progression from the introduction and overview to detailed body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used effectively, with each sector or group of sectors given its own logical space. Cohesive devices such as 'By contrast', 'before falling to', and 'Thus' are used naturally and accurately without feeling mechanical. Referencing and progression throughout the response are smooth and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.5
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'largest source of employment', 'substantial growth', 'pronounced increase', and 'shifted markedly'. Word choice and collocations are accurate throughout, and spelling is flawless. The range allows for precise reporting of trends and data points.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The response features a wide range of complex sentence structures, including participial phrases ('reaching a peak in 1980') and time clauses ('before falling to approximately 17 million'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and control of grammar and punctuation is excellent. Minor structural slips are virtually absent, demonstrating a high degree of accuracy alongside structural flexibility.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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