Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-31
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 8.5)
The pie charts compare the average proportions of three nutrients—namely sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar—consumed through four typical meals in the USA.
Overall, it is evident that dinner accounted for the largest share of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks dominated the consumption of added sugar. Conversely, breakfast consistently contributed the smallest percentage across all three nutrient categories.
During breakfast, 14% of total sodium was consumed, while equal proportions (16% each) of saturated fat and added sugar were recorded. Moving to lunch, sodium made up 29%, followed closely by saturated fat at 26% and added sugar at 19%.
Regarding dinner, it accounted for the highest figures in two categories, comprising 43% of overall sodium and 37% of saturated fat, alongside 23% of added sugar intake. Lastly, snacks played a major role in sugar consumption, claiming a massive 42% share, while contributing 21% to total saturated fat and 14% to sodium.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and successfully selected and reported the key features of the data. The comparisons between the nutrient categories and the meal types are accurate and well-supported by the provided figures. For instance, you correctly identified that dinner is the primary source for sodium and saturated fat, while snacks are the main source for added sugar. The information is logically grouped, and the report covers all three nutrients across the four meal types, meeting the requirements for a Band 8 level of task achievement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You have used an effective structure, starting with an introduction, followed by a concise overview, and then two body paragraphs that group the data logically. Cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'Moving to', and 'Regarding' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different meal categories, which enhances the readability of the report. The flow of information is smooth, and each sentence contributes to the overall summary without any unnecessary repetition.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. Phrases such as 'accounted for the largest share', 'consistently contributed', and 'played a major role' are used accurately and naturally. The terminology related to the charts (e.g., 'proportions', 'nutrient categories', 'intake') is precise. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms or collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current range is more than adequate to convey the information clearly and precisely, fitting the criteria for a Band 7.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and the subject-verb agreement is consistent. For example, the use of participial phrases like 'comprising 43% of overall sodium' demonstrates a good command of complex structures. The writing is clear, and there are no errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, which aligns with the descriptors for a Band 8.
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