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 the manufacturing and agriculture sectors followed an opposite pattern. In addition, retail and healthcare both recorded the highest figures 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, the 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 | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting on all four sectors across the given time period. An appropriate overview is provided, highlighting the main trends—namely, the upward movement in retail and healthcare versus the downward or fluctuating patterns in manufacturing and agriculture. Key data points are accurately selected and compared, such as manufacturing peaking at 20 million in 1980 before declining, and retail and healthcare both reaching 16 million in 2020. However, there is a minor inaccuracy in the third paragraph regarding healthcare starting around 6 million in 1960, whereas the data shows it started at approximately 2 million. Overall, the response is well-developed and meets the requirements of the task effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is logically organised with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph framing the graph, followed by a clear overview paragraph, and then detailed body paragraphs splitting the sectors logically. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different groups of trends. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the data (e.g., 'Overall, it is clear that', 'Looking first at', 'Turning to', 'Meanwhile'). Referencing and substitution are generally clear, contributing to a smooth flow throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends flexibly and precisely. Appropriate terms are used to report data changes, such as 'upward trend', 'rose gradually', 'surged', and 'fell considerably'. Less common lexical items and collocations are attempted with good awareness of style, such as 'experienced an upward trend' and 'followed an opposite pattern'. There are occasional slight inaccuracies or repetitions, but spelling and word choices are generally accurate and do not impede communication at all.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over grammatical structures. The student successfully incorporates subordinate clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'Starting around 6 million in 1960, the figure surged...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled well. There are occasional minor slips or slight awkwardness, but these do not interfere with understanding. Grammar and punctuation control is solid and supports clear communication.
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