Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-15

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 4.0)

The line graph illustrate the information of number of jobs in four sector of the economy between 1960 and 2020.

Overall, the graph has in row number of years shown and in column job in million were shown.

In 1960, healthcare level increases as the time passes.Manufacturing level increases in 1980 then decreased.Agriculture level first decrease then constant and also decreases.Retail level increases

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.5

You identify the four sectors and mention several broad movements, including manufacturing rising before falling and agriculture declining before becoming stable and falling again. However, the report is very incomplete: it gives almost no figures, comparisons, or clear overview of the main changes. The statement that healthcare “increases as the time passes” is broadly accurate, but the response does not explain that it rose from about 2 million jobs to 16 million, matching retail by 2020. The description of retail is also unfinished. The response is substantially below the required 150 words, leaving the task only minimally addressed. To improve, write a complete overview and support each key trend with selected figures and comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0

There is a basic sequence: an opening sentence is followed by a general statement and then comments on individual sectors. This gives the reader some indication of the topic and the order of discussion. However, the response is too brief to develop a clear progression, and the overview sentence about information being “in row” and “in column” does not help organise the data. The sector descriptions are compressed into a single run-on paragraph, with abrupt transitions and no clear grouping of related trends. For example, “Retail level increases” is left without a time period or comparison. Use separate paragraphs for the overview and details, and connect complete comparisons with clear linking phrases.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses some relevant task vocabulary, including “line graph,” “number of jobs,” “increases,” “decreased,” and “constant,” so the general subject is recognisable. However, the range is narrow and several phrases are unnatural or imprecise, such as “the graph has in row number of years” and “healthcare level increases.” Repeating “level” also makes the descriptions less precise. Choose vocabulary that directly describes employment figures and trends, such as “employment,” “rose,” “declined,” and “remained stable.” You could also use comparison language such as “overtook” or “reached the same level as” to report the relationship between sectors. More accurate collocations would make the limited information clearer.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

You attempt both an introductory sentence and trend statements, and the basic meaning of some changes can be understood. However, grammatical control is inconsistent. The opening has subject–verb disagreement and missing plural marking: “The line graph illustrate” and “four sector.” The sentence “Overall, the graph has in row number of years shown and in column job in million were shown” has a faulty structure that makes the intended meaning difficult to follow. In “Manufacturing level increases in 1980 then decreased,” the tense shifts without a clear reason, and punctuation is missing after “passes.” Most sentences are simple fragments or short statements, so there is little evidence of a wider range. Practise accurate past-tense reporting and complete sentences with clear subjects and verbs.

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