Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-03

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 5.5)

The line graph tracks the changes in the number of employments in four distinct economical fields in America over the period of 60 years, from 1960 to 2020.

Overall, it is clear that the dominant sector contributing in providing number of jobs was the production sector of US in 1960, providing 15 million jobs. However, this number fell significantly to only about 13 million employed workers in 2020. In contrast, healthcare sector which provided the minimum number of jobs in 1960 which was almost 2 million employments, surged dramatically to almost 16 million jobs in 2020.

Whereas, the two fields which hired the same number of employees in 1960, over 5 million, fluctuated their job sectores to great extend. Retail jobs soared rapidly

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

The response attempts to address the task by outlining changes in employment numbers across four economic sectors between 1960 and 2020. However, the length requirement is not met, as the response falls significantly short of the 150-word minimum, containing only 123 words. Consequently, the information presented is incomplete, and the comparison of trends is cut off abruptly mid-sentence at the end. While an overview is attempted, the limited development and failure to complete the task constrain the score at this level. To reach higher bands, the writer must ensure the full word count is met and provide a fully developed comparison of all key data points.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The writing demonstrates a basic overall structure, beginning with an introductory sentence and attempting an overview. Paragraphing is initiated, but the essay remains incomplete due to the abrupt ending. Cohesive devices are used in a somewhat mechanical fashion, such as "Overall," "However," and "In contrast," but referencing and logical progression break down towards the end of the text where the final sentence trails off without completion. To improve, the writer needs to ensure all paragraphs are fully fleshed out and that cohesive links maintain a clear and logical progression from introduction to conclusion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, demonstrating some attempts at less common lexical items such as "dominant sector," "surged dramatically," and "fluctuated." There are a few lexical inaccuracies and awkward word choices, such as "number of employments" instead of 'levels of employment' and "economical fields" instead of 'economic sectors'. However, these errors do not impede communication. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate. To achieve a higher band, the writer should refine word choices for greater precision and avoid awkward collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as relative clauses and introductory prepositional phrases ("over the period of 60 years"). There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, including missing articles ("healthcare sector" instead of 'the healthcare sector') and minor preposition issues, but these sentences remain comprehensible and rarely impede communication. The control over verb tenses (past simple for 1960 and 2020 data) is mostly sound. To progress further, the writer should incorporate a wider variety of complex structures with higher accuracy and eliminate minor article slips.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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