Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The graph provides the information regarding the number of jobs in four sectors of the economy in the US between 1960 and 2020.
The major increase is shown in the healthcare and retail.Both sectors showed a rise in the number of jobs and are now in peak in 2020.
On the other hand,two sectors like manufacturing and agriculture have shown a decrease in the number of jobs provided by these.In 1980,an increase in jobs is seen in the manufacturing sector but it showed a unfortunate decrease towards 2020.Similar is in the case of agriculture with only one difference that we can notice a decrease in trend in 1980 and then it became more steeper with time.
Hence,according to the information provided by the graph two sectors including healthcare and retail showed an increase trend in the jobs in 1980 and 2020.Whereas,other two sectors showed a decline in trend due to their inability to provide jobs.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The student attempts to cover the main features of the graph, noting the upward trends in healthcare and retail, and the downward trends in manufacturing and agriculture. However, the data points mentioned are either vague (e.g., 'now in peak in 2020') or contain inaccuracies, such as missing the initial rise in manufacturing up to 1980 before its decline, or misinterpreting the specific starting point for agriculture. There is no clear overview provided at the beginning or end of the response; instead, the writing plunges straight into specific details without synthesizing the broader picture. While the general trends are captured, the lack of precise data integration and a well-defined overview keeps this at a Band 5.5 level.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response is divided into very brief paragraphs, including a single-sentence paragraph, which indicates a lack of effective paragraphing control. Cohesive devices are used (e.g., 'On the other hand', 'Hence'), but some connections are mechanical or imprecise. The progression of ideas feels somewhat disjointed, jumping between sectors without a clear, logical flow. Reference words like 'this' or 'these' are sometimes vague in their antecedents (e.g., 'provided by these'). Although there is an overall attempt to structure the answer introduction-body-conclusion style, the poor paragraphing and clunky transitions constrain the score to Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for discussing economic sectors and trends, such as 'increase', 'decrease', 'sector', and 'trend'. However, lexical choices are frequently repetitive and lack precision (e.g., 'the major increase is shown in', 'unfortunate decrease'). There are also collocation and word-choice awkwardnesses, such as 'are now in peak in 2020' or 'decrease in trend'. Less common lexical items are attempted but not always handled accurately. Spelling is generally correct, but the overall vocabulary is basic and somewhat restricted, fitting the Band 5.0 descriptor.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The graph provides the information regarding...' and 'Whereas, other two sectors showed a decline...'. However, grammatical accuracy is weak, with noticeable errors in punctuation, articles, and prepositions (e.g., 'missing comma spacing', 'two sectors like manufacturing', 'increase in the jobs'). Sentence boundary errors, such as comma splices or fragmented clauses (e.g., 'Similar is in the case of agriculture with only one difference that we can notice...'), occur frequently and occasionally impede smooth reading. The control of grammar is inconsistent, placing it firmly at Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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