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 key features are clearly presented. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview paragraph provides a slightly more comprehensive summary of the overall trends, perhaps by explicitly mentioning the stability of the 'never' and 'daily' categories as a contrasting feature to the more volatile categories.

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. The progression of ideas is smooth, and each paragraph has a clear focus. The use of referencing is generally accurate, ensuring that the information remains easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'rose slightly', 'fell gradually', and 'amounted to'. The use of 'proportion' and 'percentage' adds variety to your writing. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it is somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' to show greater flexibility and precision in your reporting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is solid. There is consistent use of accurate verb tenses and prepositions. While the grammar is reliable, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. Incorporating more varied subordinate clauses or participial phrases could further enhance the sophistication of your writing, though the current level is already quite strong and clear.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.