Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)
The line graph illustrates the number of jobs in four sectors ( manufacturing, retail, agriculture and healthcare ) in the US over the period from 1960 to 2020.
Overall, it is clear that the retail and healthcare sectors experienced an upward trend, whereas manufacturing and agriculture sectors followed an opposite pattern. In addition, retail and healthcare both recorded the highest figure towards the end of the period.
Looking first at the retail sector, the figure stood at approximately 6 million in 1960. It then rose gradually to 16 million in 2020. A similar trend can be seen in the healthcare sector . Starting around 6 million in 1960, the figure surged to 16 million in 2020, which was similar to the figure for retail at this point.
Turning to manufacturing, the figure followed a different pattern. It initially stood at 15 million, which was the highest number of jobs in 1960, before rising to 20 million in 1980. After 1980, it fell considerably, eventually reaching under 15 million in 2020. Meanwhile, agriculture sector dropped from 6 million in 1960 to around 2 million by 2020.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by selecting and reporting the main features of the line graph. An appropriate overview is provided, highlighting the general upward trends for retail and healthcare versus the downward trends for manufacturing and agriculture. Key data points are accurately cited, such as manufacturing reaching a peak of 20 million in 1980 and agriculture dropping to around 2 million by 2020. However, there is a minor inaccuracy in the third paragraph regarding the starting point for healthcare, where the student states it started around 6 million in 1960 when the graph indicates it was closer to 2 million. Overall, the task is well-executed and meets the requirements for a Band 7.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is logically organised with a clear overall progression from the introduction to the overview, followed by detailed body paragraphs. Each paragraph has a clear central focus, grouping the expanding sectors together and contrasting them with the declining ones. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the data, such as 'Looking first at', 'Meanwhile', and 'Turning to'. Paragraphing is used appropriately throughout the response. Referencing is generally clear, though occasional transitional links could be smoother. This performance corresponds well to Band 7.0 descriptors.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suited to an Academic Task 1 response, employing terms such as 'upward trend', 'surged', 'considerably', and 'period'. Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of style and collocation (e.g., 'recorded the highest figure', 'followed an opposite pattern'). There are minor inaccuracies, such as stating healthcare started around 6 million in 1960 instead of 2 million, which slightly impacts precision, but spelling and word choices remain generally accurate and do not impede communication. This fits comfortably within Band 6.5 to 7.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The student uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and participial phrases effectively (e.g., 'while agriculture sector dropped', 'before rising to 20 million in 1980'). Grammatical control is generally strong, with frequent error-free sentences. Minor punctuation and article slips occur, such as omitting the definite article before 'agriculture sector' in the final sentence. However, these errors are non-systematic and never impede communication, demonstrating solid control appropriate for a Band 7.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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