Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The line chart illustrates the number of jobs in four sectors of the economy in the US between 1960 and 2020.

Overall, retail and healthcare experienced an upward trajectory, while agriculture showed the opposite pattern. Although manufacturing was in the top position at the beginning of the period, it became the second-highest by the end of the period. In addition, retail and healthcare recorded the highest figures by the end of the period, whereas agriculture registered the lowest figure by the end of the period.

Looking first at manufacturing, the figure increased gradually to around 20 million in 1980 before plummeting to nearly 13 million by the end of the period. As for retail, the figure climbed moderately from approximately 6 million to 15 million between 1960 and 2000, then it increased slightly to just above 15 million by the end of the period.

Turning to healthcare, it grew from around 2 million to just above 15 million between 1960 and 2020. Regarding agriculture, the figure surged steadily to nearly 3 million before remaining stable at around 3 million, then it fell slightly to approximately 2 million by the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features, trends, and comparisons of the four economic sectors between 1960 and 2020. The overview effectively captures the primary trajectories, noting the upward movement of retail and healthcare alongside the decline in agriculture. Key data points, such as manufacturing reaching around 20 million in 1980 and healthcare growing to just above 15 million, are accurately cited and supported from the visual data. The progression of the data is well selected, and no significant details are omitted, placing this performance comfortably at a Band 8 level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically by sector into well-defined paragraphs, which aids readability. Cohesive devices such as 'Looking first at', 'As for', and 'Turning to' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Referencing is clear, and paragraphing is managed appropriately. The overall structure follows a natural path from introduction to overview, followed by detailed body paragraphs, fully meeting the criteria for a Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student employs a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to Task 1 requirements. Items such as 'upward trajectory', 'plummeting', 'climbed moderately', and 'surged steadily' demonstrate good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are precise, and spelling is accurate throughout the text. Although some vocabulary is standard for data reporting, the effective integration of less common reporting verbs allows the response to meet the Band 7 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

A good variety of complex structures is used successfully, such as concessive clauses ('Although manufacturing was in the top position...') and time-bound prepositional phrases. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates strong control over grammar and punctuation. Minor slips are absent, and complex sentences are handled with accuracy, showing a high level of grammatical control that satisfies the Band 8 descriptor.

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