Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-05

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 line graph provides the data about the number of jobs in four sectors(manufacturing,retail,agriculture and healthcare) in US from1960 to

2020.

Overall,it is clear thatboth rtail and healthcare industries developed surig the period while otherjob sectors was facing declined job market.

To begin with, in 1960 around 15 millions jobs werw secure in manufacturing sectors whereas,it was escalated 20 millions inthe year 1980.unfortuately this industry was faced consistent fell in another three years, which included 15,12 millions respectively.

In the initial year retail sector had employed 7 millions while it was dramaticallly increased in 1980,2000 and 2020 which accounted for 10, 15 millins

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

This response addresses the task only partially, and it must be noted that the length requirement of a minimum of 150 words was not met, as the student's response contains only 96 words. Furthermore, 8 words copied directly from the task prompt were not counted. The writer attempts to report on the line graph by mentioning several figures, such as manufacturing starting at 15 million in 1960 and retail employing 7 million in the initial year. However, the data is presented with inaccuracies and missing information, and the response cuts off abruptly mid-sentence without completing the overview or covering all four sectors properly. To reach a higher band, the student must ensure the text meets the required word count, provides a complete overview, and reports accurate data for all categories.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The text shows some basic organization with the use of introductory and transitional phrases such as 'The line graph provides' and 'To begin with', but there is no clear overall progression due to the incomplete nature of the response. Paragraphing is attempted, but sentences are cut off abruptly, particularly the final sentence which ends prematurely with 'millins'. Cohesive devices are minimal and sometimes inaccurate or misused. For instance, transitional phrases lack the appropriate follow-through to link ideas smoothly. To improve coherence and cohesion, the writer needs to structure paragraphs logically with clear topic sentences, ensure that ideas are fully developed rather than left unfinished, and use a wider variety of cohesive devices accurately to guide the reader through the data.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is limited and barely adequate for the task. While the student attempts some less common vocabulary, such as 'escalated' and 'dramatically increased', there are noticeable errors in word choice, spelling, and word formation that detract from the writing. Examples of lexical and spelling errors include 'rtail' instead of retail, 'surig' instead of surging, 'unfortuately', 'fell' instead of fall, and 'millins' instead of millions. These errors do not completely obscure the meaning, but they do cause some difficulty for the reader. To achieve a higher band, the writer must expand their vocabulary range, use precise terms for describing data trends, and pay closer attention to spelling and word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a very limited range of sentence structures, relying mostly on basic patterns with frequent errors. Attempts at complex or compound sentences often result in faulty grammar and punctuation, such as missing spaces after punctuation marks and incorrect prepositions. Examples of grammatical errors include 'the number of jobs in four sectors(manufacturing,retail,agriculture and healthcare) in US from1960 to 2020', where articles and spacing are neglected, and 'otherjob sectors was facing declined job market', which suffers from subject-verb agreement issues and incorrect word forms. Frequent errors are present throughout, causing difficulty for the reader. To improve, the student should focus on basic sentence construction, correct use of articles and prepositions, and accurate verb tenses for describing historical data.

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

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