Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The line graph illustrates changes in employment figures across four economic sectors—Manufacturing, Retail, Agriculture, and Healthcare—in the United States from 1960 to 2020, measured in millions.
Overall, retail and healthcare experienced substantial growth over the 60-year timeframe, whereas employment in agriculture and manufacturing recorded downward trajectories by the end of the period [source: 1]. Manufacturing was the dominant employer initially, but retail and healthcare surpassed it by 2020.
In 1960, manufacturing provided the highest number of jobs at 15 million [source: 1]. This figure peaked at 20 million in 1980 before declining steadily to 17 million in 2000 and finishing at 13 million by 2020 [source: 1]. Conversely, agriculture began at approximately 6 million jobs, dropped sharply to 3 million in 1980, and then gradually decreased to around 2 million by the end of the period, remaining the lowest throughout.
In contrast, retail employment rose continuously from 6 million in 1960 to 10 million in 1980 and 15 million in 2000 [source: 1]. Healthcare grew even more dramatically, increasing from just 2 million in 1960 to 5 million in 1980 and 11 million in 2000 [source: 1]. By 2020, both sectors converged at roughly 16 million jobs each, overtaking manufacturing as the leading sectors.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| 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 clear overview and selecting and reporting the main features of the line graph. Key trends are accurately highlighted, such as the initial dominance of manufacturing followed by its decline, alongside the substantial upward trajectories of retail and healthcare. Data points are cited correctly to support the descriptions, with appropriate comparisons made between the four economic sectors across the 60-year period. There are no notable omissions or inaccuracies in the reporting of the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Ideas are grouped coherently into well-defined paragraphs, with an introduction, an effective overview, and detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Conversely', and 'In contrast' are used effectively to signal shifts in direction and contrast between categories. Referencing throughout the text is clear, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the comparisons between the different economic sectors.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'substantial growth', 'downward trajectories', 'dominant employer', and 'converged'. Word choice is generally precise, and there are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. The vocabulary allows for concise and accurate reporting of statistical trends.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
A wide variety of complex sentence structures is used accurately throughout the response. The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating a high level of control over grammar and punctuation. Clauses are well-integrated using appropriate subordinating and coordinating conjunctions, as seen in sentences like 'Overall, retail and healthcare experienced substantial growth over the 60-year timeframe, whereas employment in agriculture and manufacturing recorded downward trajectories...' Only very occasional minor slips might occur, but grammatical control remains exceptionally strong.
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