Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-27
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 jobs in four sectors of the US economy, namely manufacturing, retail, agriculture and healthcare, between 1960 and 2020.
Overall, employment in retail and healthcare increased substantially over the period, whereas the opposite trend was seen in manufacturing and agriculture. Manufacturing had the highest number of jobs initially and remained the leading sector until 2000, but by 2020, retail and healthcare had both reached approximately 16 million jobs.
In 1960, manufacturing accounted for about 15 million jobs, considerably more than the other three sectors. This figure rose to a peak of 20 million in 1980, before declining to around 17 million in 2000 and 13 million in 2020. Agriculture, meanwhile, fell steadily from approximately 6 million jobs in 1960 to 3 million in 1980 and 2000, and then decreased further to only 2 million at the end of the period.
By contrast, retail employment increased consistently, from roughly 6 million in 1960 to 10 million in 1980, before reaching 15 million in 2000 and about 16 million in 2020. Healthcare experienced the most substantial growth, rising from just 2 million jobs in 1960 to 5 million in 1980 and 11 million in 2000, before reaching approximately 16 million in 2020
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5
The student fully addresses all parts of the task by providing a well-developed overview and reporting the main features with accurate data from the graph. The trends are clearly identified, such as the initial dominance of manufacturing and its subsequent decline alongside agriculture, contrasted with the substantial growth in retail and healthcare. The figures cited, such as manufacturing peaking at 20 million in 1980 and healthcare rising to approximately 16 million in 2020, align accurately with the provided visual data. No important trends are omitted, and comparisons between sectors are made effectively throughout the response, fully satisfying the requirements for Band 8.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is coherently structured, starting with a clear introductory sentence followed by a strong overview paragraph. Body paragraphs are logically divided, with one focusing on manufacturing and agriculture, and another contrasting retail and healthcare. Cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'meanwhile', 'before declining', and 'by contrast' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used effectively, ensuring each section has a distinct thematic focus.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.0
The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an Academic Task 1 response. Less common lexical items and collocations are used effectively, such as 'accounted for', 'rose to a peak', 'declined steadily', and 'substantial growth'. Word choices and phrasing are generally precise, matching the formal register required for the task. There are only occasional minor instances where vocabulary could be slightly more sophisticated, but the range easily satisfies the criteria for a Band 7.0 or 7.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The writing features a wide variety of complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and chronological markers seamlessly (e.g., 'before declining to around 17 million in 2000 and 13 million in 2020'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control is consistently strong. Punctuation is accurate, and there are no structural errors that impede communication. The control over complex grammar places this response firmly in the Band 8 category.
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