Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-26
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 6.0)
The graph compares the information about the number of jobs in four different sectors in US between 1960 and 2020. The salient features of four sector of economy is described by comparing one another.
In this line graph, four different curve lines illustrate the differnt sector of economy in US. In this graph there are number of years on x-axis starting from 1960 to 2020 respectively whereas the y-axis have number of jobs in millions.
A glance at the graph reveals that, healthcare sector contributes major in the economy of US as it gave above 15 million jobs. Similarly, retail also shares greater portion in economy and gives above 15 millions job.
Secondly, it is crystal clear from the graph that agriculture has declinig trend from 1960 to 2020. From 6 million it declined down to 2 millions. The manufacturing sector was contributing good in 1960 and was at peak in 1980 but gradually it declines frrom 20 billion to 14 billion in 2020.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the overall trends and key employment figures across the four sectors between 1960 and 2020. For instance, the writer correctly notes the declining trend in agriculture from 6 million to 2 million, and highlights the growth in healthcare and retail. However, there are some inaccuracies in data reporting, such as claiming the manufacturing sector declined 'from 20 billion to 14 billion in 2020' (confusing millions with billions, and misstating the 1960 starting point). Additionally, the overview paragraph is somewhat repetitive and lacks a fully synthesized summary of the most prominent overall movements. Despite these minor data slips and generalisations, the core task is addressed adequately, placing it at a Band 5.5 to 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The essay is divided into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview/body section, and distinct follow-up paragraphs for specific trends. Progression is generally evident, moving from a general description of the axes and curves to specific economic sectors. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical or faulty, as seen in awkward transitions like 'Secondly, it is crystal clear from the graph...' Furthermore, referencing and logical linking between sentences can feel disjointed. Paragraphing is attempted but lacks the smooth cohesive flow characteristic of higher bands. Overall, the organizational structure meets the requirements for a Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The candidate attempts some less common vocabulary related to data analysis, such as 'salient features', 'declining trend', and 'contributes major'. However, there are notable word choice and unit errors, such as using 'billion' instead of 'million' for job numbers ('20 billion to 14 billion') and lexical slips like 'contributes major' instead of 'contributes majorly' or 'plays a major role'. Spelling and word formation are generally clear, but the vocabulary range is limited and constrained by these inaccuracies, which slightly hinder precise communication. This performance aligns well with Band 5.5 to 6.0 descriptors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The text displays a mix of simple and some complex sentence forms, such as 'In this line graph, four different curve lines illustrate the differnt sector of economy in US.' However, there are frequent grammatical and mechanical errors throughout, including missing articles ('in US', 'on x-axis', 'on economy'), pluralisation errors ('four sector'), and spelling slips ('differnt', 'declinig', 'frrom'). Despite these errors, the meaning remains mostly clear and does not impede overall understanding. Because the writer combines simple structures with occasional complex attempts alongside persistent errors, a Band 5.5 is appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.