Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)
The line graph illustrates the number of jobs in four different sectors of the economy in the United States between 1960 and 2020.
Overall, employment in Retail and Healthcare increased considerably over the period, whereas the figures for Manufacturing and Agriculture declined overall. By 2020, Retail and Healthcare had both reached 16 million jobs, while Agriculture had the lowest figure, at just 2 million.
The number of jobs in Healthcare rose steadily from 2 million in 1960 to 5 million in 1980, before increasing further to 11 million in 2000 and 16 million in 2020. Similarly, employment in Retail grew consistently from 6 million in 1960 to 10 million in 1980 and 15 million in 2000, eventually reaching 16 million in 2020.
In contrast, Manufacturing stood at 15 million jobs in 1960 and climbed sharply to a peak of 20 million in 1980. It then declined steadily, falling to 17 million in 2000 and 13 million in 2020. Meanwhile, employment in Agriculture decreased from 6 million in 1960 to 3 million in 1980, remained unchanged in 2000, and then fell slightly to 2 million in 2020.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.5
The student has written an excellent response that fully addresses all parts of the task. The main features and trends of the four economic sectors between 1960 and 2020 are accurately reported and well-supported with specific figures from the chart (e.g., 'Healthcare rose steadily from 2 million in 1960 to 5 million in 1980'). A clear and effective overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting the overall growth in Retail and Healthcare alongside the decline in Manufacturing and Agriculture. Comparisons are effectively made throughout, such as noting that both Retail and Healthcare reached 16 million jobs by 2020 while Agriculture had the lowest figure. The data is accurately read and reflected with no significant omissions or inaccuracies.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.5
The response is exceptionally well-structured and easy to follow. Information and ideas are logically sequenced, beginning with an introductory sentence, followed by a concise overview, and then detailed body paragraphs categorising the trends logically (growth sectors versus declining sectors). Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively without being obtrusive, such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'Similarly'. Paragraphing is used appropriately and skillfully, with each paragraph serving a distinct and clear function in presenting the data.
Lexical Resource: Band 8.0
The student demonstrates a wide, flexible, and accurate range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. Less common items and precise reporting verbs/phrases are used skilfully throughout, such as 'considerably', 'declined overall', 'reached a peak', and 'remained unchanged'. Word choice and collocations are natural and correct, reflecting a strong command of lexical features. Spelling and word formation are flawless.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.5
The response exhibits a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with full flexibility and accuracy. The writer skilfully incorporates participial and prepositional phrases (e.g., 'before increasing further to...', 'falling to 17 million in 2000') and complex time-clause structures. Grammar and punctuation are under total control, and the text is entirely free of errors, meeting the highest standards for grammatical accuracy.
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