Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-05

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 5.0)

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

In overview, three charts are given of different categories such a sodium, saturated fat and added sugar.

To begin with, In the first chart we can see the sodium with snack about 14%, breakfast 14%, dinner 43% and lunch 29%. Next chart is saturated fat with snack 21%, breakfast 16%, dinner 37% and lunch 26%. So this is given details in the given 2 charts. So the highest category in sodium chart is dinner about 43% and the least is snack and breakfast about 14%.

Furthermore, The final chart is added sugar with snack 42%, breakfast 16%, dinner 23% and lunch 19%. The highest category in added sugar is lunch about 42% and the least is lunch about 19%. SO the final verdict of three charts with given details as shown in the charts.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the three nutrients and their distribution across meal types. However, the analysis is largely a list of figures rather than a synthesis of information. While the highest and lowest values are identified, the comparisons are mechanical and lack depth. For instance, the report states 'the highest category in added sugar is lunch about 42%', which is factually incorrect based on the provided data (snack is 42%). This inaccuracy in reporting data significantly impacts the task achievement score, as the information is not accurately conveyed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organised into paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is repetitive and sometimes misused, such as 'So this is given details in the given 2 charts' and 'SO the final verdict'. The referencing is occasionally unclear, and the transition between the description of the charts is abrupt. While there is an attempt at an overview, it is very brief and does not effectively summarise the main trends or significant differences between the three nutrients.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. The student relies heavily on basic phrasing such as 'the given charts', 'the highest category', and 'the least is'. There is little attempt to use a range of vocabulary to describe trends or data points (e.g., 'account for', 'comprise', 'constitute', 'peak at'). The repetition of 'given' and 'category' throughout the text indicates a restricted range that is just adequate for the task but lacks the flexibility required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement ('The given charts... shows') and awkward sentence construction ('In overview, three charts are given of different categories such a sodium'). Punctuation is inconsistent, particularly with the use of capital letters mid-sentence ('To begin with, In the first chart...'). While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of complex structures and the persistence of basic errors in grammar and punctuation limit the score. The sentences are mostly simple, and the control over grammatical accuracy is inconsistent.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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