Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-30
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 8.0)
The line graph illustrates the number of jobs, measured in millions, in four sectors of the US economy, namely manufacturing, retail, agriculture and healthcare, between 1960 and 2020.
Overall, manufacturing had the highest number of jobs for most of the period, although it experienced a decline after 1980. In contrast, employment in healthcare and retail increased considerably. Agriculture was the only sector to show an overall downward trend.
In 1960, manufacturing provided approximately 15 million jobs, compared with around 6 million in retail and agriculture. Healthcare had the lowest figure, at about 2 million. By 1980, manufacturing employment had risen to a peak of 20 million, while retail also increased to 10 million. However, agricultural jobs fell to roughly 3 million, whereas healthcare rose to 5 million.
From 1980 to 2000, the number of manufacturing jobs decreased slightly to around 17 million. Meanwhile, retail continued to grow, reaching approximately 15 million, and healthcare more than doubled to about 11 million. Agriculture remained stable at around 3 million during this period.
By 2020, manufacturing employment had fallen further to approximately 13 million. In contrast, retail reached about 16 million, becoming the largest sector. Healthcare also increased substantially to around 16 million, while agriculture declined to only 2 million jobs.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5
The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and reporting the main features of the four sectors across the given time period. Figures are cited accurately based on the visual data, such as manufacturing starting at approximately 15 million in 1960 and peaking at 20 million in 1980, and retail and healthcare reaching about 16 million by 2020. Key comparisons are made throughout the body paragraphs, noting shifts in dominance between manufacturing and the rising healthcare and retail sectors. The response is fully developed and satisfies all requirements of Academic Task 1.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0
The response is logically sequenced and easy to follow. Ideas are structured chronologically and by sector, supported by a clear opening paragraph and an effective overall summary. Cohesive devices are used naturally and appropriately, with phrases like 'In contrast,' 'By 1980,' and 'Meanwhile' guiding the reader smoothly through the temporal data. Paragraphing is used sufficiently, with each period clearly separated into its own paragraph, ensuring logical progression throughout.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a wide and appropriate range of vocabulary relevant to describing data trends. Phrases such as 'experienced a decline,' 'downward trend,' 'peaked at,' and 'increased substantially' are used with good control and precision. Collocations and lexical items related to economic sectors and statistics are handled effectively, with only minor reliance on standard reporting terms. The student successfully incorporates less common vocabulary without committing noticeable errors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0
A wide range of complex sentence structures is used effectively throughout the response, including subordinate clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'becoming the largest sector'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and punctuation is handled with a high degree of control. Minor slips or inaccuracies are virtually absent, demonstrating a strong command of English grammar suitable for high-level academic writing.
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