Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-31

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 8.0)

The bar chart compares the proportions of people in the USA who ate at fast-food restaurants at six different frequencies in 2003, 2006 and 2013.

Overall, it is evident that eating fast food once a week or once or twice a month was considerably more common than eating it every day or never. While the proportion eating fast food once a week declined by 2013, the figure for those eating it once or twice a month increased substantially. By contrast, the percentages eating fast food every day or never remained relatively low throughout the period.

In 2003, approximately 31% of Americans ate fast food once a week, making this the most common frequency, closely followed by those who ate it once or twice a month, at 30%. The figures in 2006 were broadly similar, although weekly consumption rose slightly to 33%, while monthly consumption fell to around 25%. By 2013, however, the pattern had reversed: approximately 33% ate fast food once or twice a month, whereas the proportion eating it once a week dropped to about 28%.

The remaining categories accounted for smaller proportions. Around 17%, 20% and 16% ate fast food several times a week in 2003, 2006 and 2013 respectively. Meanwhile, the percentage eating it a few times a year remained fairly stable at 13–15%. Those who ate fast food every day or never did so constituted only about 3–5% in each year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified the main features and trends, such as the shift between weekly and monthly consumption patterns by 2013. The data is accurately selected and compared, with clear references to the specific years provided in the chart. You have effectively grouped the categories, distinguishing between the high-frequency and low-frequency groups, which demonstrates a strong grasp of the data. The overview is concise and highlights the most significant trends, meeting all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, starting with an introduction, followed by a clear overview, and then two body paragraphs that group the data logically. You have used cohesive devices such as 'By contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'whereas' effectively to link ideas and compare the data points. The paragraphing is skillful, and the flow of information is smooth throughout the response, making it very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. Phrases like 'proportions of people', 'remained relatively low', and 'accounted for smaller proportions' are used accurately. You avoid repetition by using synonyms and varied structures to describe the data. The use of 'substantially' and 'broadly similar' shows a good command of descriptive language appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'While the proportion eating fast food once a week declined by 2013, the figure for those eating it once or twice a month increased substantially.' Punctuation is accurate, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. The control over tense usage (past tense for the historical data) is consistent and correct throughout the text.

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