Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates the economic structure of the US. It compares four economic sectors: Manufacturing, Retail, Agriculture, and Healthcare, and shows changes in the number of jobs in these sectors from 1960 to 2020.

The number of jobs in Manufacturing was not consistent over these years. It started at 15 million and experienced a significant rise in 1980, reaching around 20 million. In contrast, Agriculture started at 7 million jobs, after which the number declined and remained relatively stable for many years. However, Retail and Healthcare both experienced consistent growth after 1960.

Retail saw a significant increase in the number of jobs, rising from 7 million to 16 million, after which it remained relatively stable for around 20 years. Healthcare displayed a very sharp increase in both employment and economic activity, rising from 2 million jobs to 16 million, which is approximately eight times its 1960 figure.

Overall, the graph illustrates how the US economy shifted from industrial-based employment towards service-based jobs. There was a significant change in the employment trends across these sectors, reflecting changes in the types of jobs people increasingly chose as the economy developed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student covers all four sectors and provides a clear overview highlighting the shift from industrial to service-based employment. Key features and comparisons are correctly identified, such as the peak of manufacturing in 1980 and the dramatic rise in healthcare. However, there are minor inaccuracies in some of the starting figures compared to the visual data (for instance, agriculture started closer to 6 million in 1960 rather than the student's stated 7 million, and retail also started at 6 million rather than 7). Despite these slight reading discrepancies, the task is well-addressed with a clear selection of main trends. This performance aligns comfortably with Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. An introductory paragraph introduces the graph, followed by body paragraphs detailing sector trends, and a concluding overview summarizing the main economic shift. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'In contrast' and 'However', to establish contrast between declining and growing sectors. Paragraphing is used appropriately, ensuring each category or related group of sectors is discussed cohesively. Referencing throughout the text is clear, and information flows smoothly from one sentence to the next without causing confusion for the reader. This meets all requirements for Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms like 'economic structure', 'significant rise', 'remain relatively stable', and 'service-based jobs'. There is an attempt to use less common lexical items and precise descriptions ('approximately eight times its 1960 figure'). Minor inaccuracies occur, such as stating healthcare displayed an increase in 'economic activity' when the graph strictly measures jobs, but this does not impede communication. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate, earning a solid Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses ('while the number declined', 'as the economy developed'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and grammatical control is generally strong. Punctuation is handled well throughout the text. Minor slips do not impede understanding, and the range of structures used is appropriate for an academic task of this nature. This reflects the criteria for Band 7, where complex structures are attempted and controlled with only occasional errors.

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