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 the number of jobs in four economic sectors (Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare, and Agriculture) in the US between 1960 and 2020, measured in millions.
Overall, Healthcare and Retail experienced continuous growth over the 60-year period, while Manufacturing initially increased before declining steadily. Agriculture remained the least dominant sector with minimal change Throughout the timeframe.
In 1960, Manufacturing was the leading sector with 15 million jobs. It peaked at 20 million in 1980, but then consistently dropped to around 13 million by 2020. Conversely, Retail started at 6 million in 1960, grew steadily to 10 million in 1980, and eventually overtook Manufacturing to reach approximately 16 million jobs in 2020.
Healthcare showed the most dramatic upward trend, starting at just 2 million jobs in 1960 and rising sharply to surpass Manufacturing, reaching about 16 million by 2020. In contrast, Agriculture remained the lowest employment sector throughout the period. Starting at roughly 6 million in 1960, it fell slightly to 3 million in 1980 and remained nearly unchanged through 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 covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and effectively reporting the main trends and key figures for all four economic sectors. The data cited, such as Manufacturing peaking at 20 million in 1980 and dropping to 13 million in 2020, accurately reflects the visual data. The response also successfully makes relevant comparisons, such as noting how Retail and Healthcare grew to overtake Manufacturing by 2020. The information is well-selected, and the overview captures the overarching dynamics of the chart without getting bogged down in unnecessary minor data points. All descriptors for Band 8 are fully met.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Information is grouped sensibly, with the introduction followed by an effective overview paragraph, and then detailed body paragraphs that logically contrast the rising sectors against the declining ones. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'Conversely,' 'In contrast,' and 'surpass Manufacturing.' Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct and clear function in presenting the data. The flow is smooth and guides the reader effortlessly through the analysis.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.0
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to a Task 1 report. Phrases such as 'continuous growth,' 'peaked at,' 'consistently dropped,' 'dramatic upward trend,' and 'remain nearly unchanged' show a strong command of collocation and vocabulary related to data trends. Word choice is precise, and there are no notable lexical errors. Although some vocabulary items are standard for describing graphs, the control and range displayed throughout the 171-word response comfortably align with Band 7, leaning toward higher capability.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The student uses a wide variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy. Sentences such as 'Conversely, Retail started at 6 million in 1960, grew steadily to 10 million in 1980, and eventually overtook Manufacturing to reach approximately 16 million jobs in 2020' demonstrate excellent syntactic control. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Grammar and mechanics do not impede communication at any point, reflecting the characteristics of Band 8.
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