Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-04
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 5.5)
The multiple pie chart is describing the average percentage in particular meals of three types of nutrients, where some of which may be unhealthy if overeaten.
The 3 pie charts are of Sodium, Saturated Fat and added Sugar, in which each has evaluated in 4 meals that are a breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks that are consumed in the USA.
In sodium, the highest percentage has in dinner which is 43%, while lowest has in both snacks and breakfast that is 14%, and medium amount in lunch which is 29%. In saturated fat provide most in dinner by 37% as well as least in breakfast by 16%, and snack and lunch has moderate percentage by 21 and 26 respectively. At last, added sugar is excessively provided in snack by 42%, and minimal percentage in breakfast and lunch which is 16% and 19% respectively, while extra sugar are added in dinner as well by 23%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the three nutrients and their distribution across four meal types. You successfully highlight the main features, such as the highest percentages for sodium and saturated fats in dinner, and the peak for added sugar in snacks. However, the report lacks a clear overview or summary paragraph, which is essential for a Band 7 or higher. While you mention the data, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a cohesive synthesis of the trends. To improve, ensure you include a distinct 'overview' paragraph that highlights the most significant trends across the charts.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which is a logical structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'In sodium' and 'At last' are used to transition between sections, but the flow between sentences is often disjointed. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the sentence 'In saturated fat provide most in dinner', where the subject is missing. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each sentence flows naturally into the next to create a more professional, academic tone.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. You frequently use the word 'percentage' and 'provided', which limits the range of your expression. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'each has evaluated in 4 meals' (should be 'each is evaluated across four meals') and 'extra sugar are added'. To achieve a higher band score, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to data description, such as 'account for', 'constitute', or 'a significant proportion', and avoid repeating the same verbs throughout the report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'the highest percentage has in dinner' is grammatically incorrect; it should be 'the highest percentage is found in dinner'. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'snack and lunch has moderate percentage'. Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence structures are often clunky. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction and ensure that every sentence has a clear subject and a correctly conjugated verb.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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