Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-30

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 5.5)

The graph below compares the number of jobs in four different sectors of the economy in the US over a 60 year period between 1960 and 2020.Overall it is clear that the jobs in healthcare rose dramatically while other sectors experienced decline over time.

From 19060 to 2020 things have changed rapidly , economy of US experienced a enormous increase in the job of health care sector.In early 60's and 80's there were around 5 million jobs in health care sector but later in 2000 this figure jumps to around 11 million jobs which is double the previous decade.In the last decade from 2000 to 2020 this figure jumps to 16 million this is the highest number achieved by health care sector.Second most highest sector that has risen in this decade is of retail sector . In early 60's and 80's retails sector has around 10 million jobs but later in 20's this figure reached to 16 million .

On the other hand,manufacturing and agriculture has experienced downfall.In early 80's manufacturing has around 15 million jobs highest achieved in this sector but later in 2020 this figure has fallen to around 13 million.In the same way agriculture has around 6 million jobs in 1960 but this figure fall down to 3 million in 2020.

In conclusion , jobs in retail and healthcare has experienced rise whereas manufacturing and agriculture had experienced downfall over time.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main contrast between the rising healthcare and retail sectors and the declining manufacturing and agriculture sectors, and you include several relevant figures. However, some details are inaccurate or unclear: healthcare was about 2 million in 1960 and 5 million in 1980, not around 5 million in both years; manufacturing peaked at about 20 million in 1980, rather than 15 million; and retail was about 6 million in 1960, rising to 10 million in 1980. Agriculture fell from about 6 million to 2 million by 2020, with a plateau near 3 million in between. The overview also says other sectors declined, although retail rose. More accurate comparisons and a clearer account of the key turning points would make the summary more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview, paragraphs describing rising and falling sectors, and a concluding summary. The contrast signalled by “On the other hand” helps organise the information. However, progression within the first body paragraph is sometimes difficult to follow, particularly the shifts between “early 60’s,” “later in 2000,” and “the last decade.” Some linking is mechanical or repetitive, with “In the same way” and repeated uses of “this figure.” The conclusion largely repeats the overview rather than adding a useful comparison. Grouping the sectors consistently and using clear time markers would make the sequence easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant vocabulary for describing trends, including “rose dramatically,” “increase,” “fallen,” and “highest number,” so the reader can generally understand the intended comparisons. However, the range is limited and several expressions are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “experienced a downfall,” “jumps to,” and “second most highest.” “Retails sector” is also an incorrect form, and “things have changed rapidly” is vague for an academic summary. Aim for precise trend language and natural collocations, such as “increased steadily,” “declined,” “reached a peak,” and “the second-highest figure.” Careful spelling and word-form checking would also improve clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more extended sentences, and the overall meaning is usually understandable. However, errors in verb agreement, tense, articles, and sentence boundaries occur in several places. For example, “manufacturing and agriculture has experienced” should use a plural verb, while “this figure fall down” needs a past-tense verb. The sentence beginning “From 19060 to 2020” also lacks a clear grammatical connection between its clauses, and several sentences run together without appropriate punctuation. There is some variety, but complex constructions are not consistently controlled. Check subject–verb agreement and past-tense forms, and divide long sentences into clearer units.

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