Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-24

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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the number of employees in four sectors of the economy in the United States between 1960 and 2020.

Overall, the number of retail and healthcare workers increased, albeit at varying rates, while the reverse was true for manufacturing and agriculture. However, the number of manufacturing workers stood out among the other categories with consistently higher figures.

Focusing on the increases first, the number of retail jobs started at about 6 million in 1960. Over the six decades, it experienced a significant increase from 6 million in 1960 to 16 million in 2020. Similarly, the number of healthcare jobs grew dramatically from 2 million in 1960 to 16 million in 2020.

By contrast, the number of manufacturing and agriculture jobs decreased over the period. The number of manufacturing jobs increased steadily from 15 million in 1960 to 20 million in 1980, but this was followed by a significant decrease to 13 million in the final year. The number of agriculture jobs declined gradually from 5 million in 1960 to about 2 million in 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and selecting key features from the graph. The main trends for all four economic sectors (retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture) are accurately reported and supported with appropriate data points, such as retail increasing from 6 million in 1960 to 16 million in 2020. The overview effectively captures the broader trajectory, noting the upward trend in retail and healthcare versus the decline in manufacturing and agriculture. Although there is a minor contradiction in the final paragraph regarding manufacturing where the student states it 'increased steadily from 15 million in 1960 to 20 million in 1980, but this was followed by a significant decrease', this is factually grounded in the data. The response meets all criteria for a Band 7.5 to 8.0, balancing accurate data reporting with strong overview generation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently grouped into well-structured paragraphs: an introduction, an overview paragraph, a body paragraph focusing on growth sectors, and a final body paragraph detailing declining sectors. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader, with phrases like 'Overall', 'Focusing on the increases first', and 'By contrast' managing transitions smoothly. Referencing is clear and effective, ensuring that data points link directly to their respective sectors. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.5.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Less common vocabulary items and functional phrases are integrated successfully, such as 'albeit at varying rates', 'experienced a significant increase', and 'declined gradually'. Word choices and collocations are generally accurate, although vocabulary remains somewhat standard rather than truly sophisticated or wide-ranging. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the text, supporting clear communication without any impediments. These qualities align well with the Band 7.0 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response features a good variety of complex sentence structures used accurately alongside simpler forms. The student demonstrates solid control over grammar and punctuation, with frequent error-free sentences. Examples of complex structures include subordinate clauses and participial modifications, such as 'while the reverse was true for manufacturing and agriculture' and 'Over the six decades, it experienced a significant increase from 6 million in 1960 to 16 million in 2020.' Grammatical errors are absent, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. The control and structural variety clearly place this response in the Band 8.0 category.

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