Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-03

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 illustrates the frequency with which people in the USA ate at fast-food restaurants in 2003, 2006 and 2013.

Overall, eating fast food once a week and once or twice a month accounted for the largest proportions of people throughout the period. By contrast, daily consumption and complete avoidance of fast food were considerably less common. Notably, the proportion eating once or twice a month increased substantially by 2013, whereas weekly consumption declined slightly.

In 2003, the most common frequency was eating fast food once a week, at approximately 31%, closely followed by those who ate it once or twice a month, at 30%. The proportion of people consuming fast food several times a week stood at around 17%, while only 13% visited such restaurants a few times a year. Daily consumption and complete avoidance were considerably less prevalent, accounting for just 4% and 5% respectively.

By 2006, weekly consumption had edged up to roughly 32%, making it the highest figure among the six categories, while the proportion eating once or twice a month fell to 25%. However, by 2013, the latter figure had climbed substantially to approximately 33%, becoming the most common frequency. In contrast, weekly consumption declined to around 28%, and the figure for eating several times a week fell slightly to 16%. Meanwhile, the proportion visiting fast-food restaurants a few times a year remained stable at about 15% in both 2006 and 2013, while daily consumption and complete avoidance remained very low, at around 3–5%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent and fully addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and supported these with accurate data points from the chart. The selection of information is logical, focusing on the most significant changes over the period (2003–2013). You successfully identified the shift in the most common frequency from 'once a week' to 'once or twice a month' and highlighted the stability of the less frequent categories. The comparison between categories is well-integrated throughout the report, meeting all requirements for a high-band response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is well-structured with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear focus: the introduction, the overview, and the detailed body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'By contrast', 'Notably', 'whereas', and 'In contrast' effectively to link ideas and guide the reader. The paragraphing is skilful, and the information flows naturally from the general trends to specific data comparisons. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall organisation is highly coherent.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'accounted for the largest proportions', 'considerably less prevalent', and 'edged up' show a sophisticated command of language suitable for academic reporting. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. The use of varied terminology to describe trends—such as 'declined slightly', 'climbed substantially', and 'remained stable'—is accurate and enhances the quality of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'The proportion of people consuming fast food several times a week stood at around 17%, while only 13% visited such restaurants a few times a year.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The control over tense usage (past simple for historical data) is consistent and correct. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication or detract from the professional tone of the writing.

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