Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-25
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 5.5)
The line graph shows the number of jobs in various sectors of the economy in the US from 1960 to 2020.
Overall, two main trends can be observed. The first is that the number of jobs increased steadily up to 15 million, while the second is that jobs in agriculture gradually declined.
With reference to the graph, it is clear that in the manufacturing sector, the US had 15 million jobs initially. By the year 1980, it increased to 20 million. After that year, jobs declined. Meanwhile, in the retail sector, there were only about 5 million at the beginning, then it increased up to 15 million over the years.
Furthermore, the healthcare system experienced the highest increase in the job sector. In 1960, it was between 0 to 5 million, then it increased gradually up to 15 million. Additionally, the agriculture field experienced a decrease in jobs. It was at 5 million from the beginning, then it decreased steadily. It is predicted to decrease further.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The student covers all four sectors mentioned in the prompt (manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and healthcare) and attempts to report main features and comparisons. However, the overview is vague and inaccurate ('the number of jobs increased steadily up to 15 million'), failing to capture the distinct trajectories of the categories. Furthermore, several data points are imprecise or partially misread, such as stating that healthcare increased 'up to 15 million' when it reached 16 million, or that agriculture was at 5 million from the beginning and is 'predicted to decrease further' (which is speculative and not supported by the static end-point of 2020). These inaccuracies in data reporting and the lack of a clear, accurate overview keep this response at Band 5.5.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The text is organized into clear paragraphs, starting with an introduction, an overall trend paragraph, and body paragraphs detailing specific sectors. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Meanwhile', 'Furthermore', and 'Additionally', although some transitions feel a bit mechanical. Logical progression within body paragraphs is sometimes hindered by imprecise referencing (e.g., 'then it increased up to 15 million' where the antecedent is ambiguous). Paragraphing is appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response, providing a coherent overall arrangement that meets the criteria for Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully employing terms like 'sector', 'economy', 'gradually declined', and 'manufacturing sector'. However, attempts at less common vocabulary or precise descriptions are limited, and there are occasional vague expressions ('the healthcare system experienced the highest increase in the job sector'). Spelling is generally accurate, and word choices do not impede communication, aligning well with the Band 6 descriptor for Lexical Resource.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'The line graph shows the number of jobs...' and 'In 1960, it was between 0 to 5 million, then it increased gradually up to 15 million.' There are some grammatical slips and awkward phrasings, such as missing subjects or imprecise prepositions ('was between 0 to 5 million' instead of 'between 0 and 5 million'). However, these errors do not impede communication, and the basic grammatical structures are controlled, fitting comfortably into Band 6.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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