Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-27

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The charts below show the average percentages in typical meals of three types of nutrients, all of which may be unhealthy if eaten too much.

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

Average percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in the USA

Student answer (Band 8.0)

The provided three pie charts compare the average proportions of nutrients namely sodium, saturated fat and added sugar consumed by residents of the USA in different type of meals. The data has been calibrated into percentage.

Looking from an overall perspective, it is crystal clear that dinner accounts for the largest share of both sodium and saturated fat intake, whereas added sugar is consumed mainly through snacks. By contrast, breakfast contributes the smallest proportion of sodium, while it also makes up a relatively low percentage of the other two nutrients.

At first glance, it is noticeable that dinner represents by far the highest figure at 43 percent, followed by lunch at 29 percent. In comparison, breakfast and snacks each account for only 14 percent of sodium intake. Subsequently, a similar pattern can be seen in saturated fat consumption. Dinner again ranks first, making up 37 percent, while lunch contributes 26 percent. Snacks account for 21 percent, whereas breakfast has the lowest proportion at just 16 percent.

Moving further, the distribution of added sugar, however, differs noticeably. Snacks are responsible for the largest share, at 42 percent, which is almost double the figure for dinner as 23 percent. Lunch contributes a more modest 19 percent, while the amount of added sugar in breakfast is considerably low as compared to other nutrients and once again records the percentage, at 16 percent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main features and provided relevant comparisons between the three nutrients. The overview is clear and highlights the key trends, such as dinner being the primary source of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks dominate added sugar intake. The data is accurately reported, and the comparisons between categories are well-supported by the figures provided. You have met the requirements for an Academic Task 1 response by summarizing the information logically and accurately without including irrelevant personal opinions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear focus: the introduction, the overview, and the detailed breakdown of the data. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'by contrast', 'subsequently', and 'moving further', which help guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the data. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text, making the information easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data-reporting task. Phrases like 'accounts for the largest share', 'represents by far the highest figure', and 'differs noticeably' show a good level of precision. While the vocabulary is generally accurate and natural, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated or varied synonyms to reach the highest band. For instance, instead of repeating 'proportion' or 'percentage', you could use terms like 'contribution', 'intake levels', or 'distribution'. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey information clearly and precisely.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a good command of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'Dinner accounts for the largest share... whereas added sugar is consumed mainly through snacks.' There are very few errors, and those that exist do not impede communication. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the sentence construction is varied. To aim for a higher band, ensure that minor slips, such as 'in different type of meals' (should be 'types'), are avoided through careful proofreading. The majority of your sentences are error-free.

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