Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-26

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The chart below shows how frequently people in the USA ate in fast food restaurants between 2003 and 2013.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

 

Student answer (Band 7.0)

The bar graph illustrates the frequency with which Americans ate fast food between 2003 and 2013.

Overall, eating fast food once a week was the most common frequency in 2003 and 2006, whereas those eating it once or twice a month was highest in 2013. Meanwhile, those eating fast food daily or never doing so remained the least popular frequency throughout the period.

The figure of those eating fast food once a week stood at around 31% in 2003, rose slightly to nearly 33% in 2006, and then fell gradually to around 28% in 2013. However, the proportion of those eating fast food once or twice a month amounted to 30% in 2003, fell steadily to 25% in 2006, before peaking at approximately 33% in 2013.

In 2003, eating fast food several times a week was around 17%, increased slightly to 20% in 2006, and then declined gradually to 15% in 2013. By contrast, the percentage of those eating it a few times a year stood at nearly 13% in 2003, then rose slightly to 15% in 2006 and 2013 respectively. Meanwhile, the figure of those eating every day was around 4% in 2003, and then fell slightly to nearly 3% in 2006 and 2013.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main trends and providing relevant comparisons. You have successfully highlighted the shift in the most popular frequency from 'once a week' in 2003/2006 to 'once or twice a month' in 2013. The data is accurately reported, and the overview provides a clear summary of the key changes. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly contrast the categories more consistently throughout the body paragraphs, rather than just listing the figures for each category sequentially. Overall, the response is well-focused and covers all parts of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'meanwhile', 'however', and 'by contrast' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used correctly to separate the different trends. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of cohesive devices, which supports a strong score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing data, such as 'illustrates', 'frequency', 'proportion', 'peaking', and 'declined gradually'. The word choice is generally precise and fits the context of an academic report. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, it lacks some of the more sophisticated or 'less common' lexical items that would push the score into the 8.0+ range. However, there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and clear throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used a variety of grammatical forms, such as participial phrases ('never doing so remained...') and complex sentences with subordinate clauses. The accuracy is high, with very few errors. Punctuation is generally handled well, and the sentence structure is varied enough to maintain interest. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication or cause any confusion for the reader. This indicates a strong command of grammar.

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