Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The given pie charts illustrate the sum percentages in typical foods of three types of nutrients, each of them may be unhealthy if consumed more.
Overall, it is evident that foods were classified into 3 section; they are sodium, saturated fat and added sugar. It shows the average percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in the USA. Meanwhile, in sodium the most percentage was on dinner and the least was on snacks and breakfast, where in saturated fat the highest percentage on dinner and lowest on breakfast. At last, in added sugar the more on snacks and less on breakfast.
To begin with, the average percentage of sodium in dinner was 43% followed by lunch was 29%, and 14 % equally on snacks and breakfast. However, in saturated fat average percentage consumed in dinner was 37%, next lunch was 26% , then snacks was 2% and breakfast was 14%.
In contrast, average percentage of added sugars in snack was 42% which had been the highest, whereas dinner was 23%, lunch was 19% and breakfast was 16% the lowest meals consumed in the USA.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| 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 main features of the three charts. You have successfully selected and reported key data points, such as the highest and lowest percentages for each nutrient. However, the overview is slightly repetitive and could be more concise. While you have made comparisons, the analysis could be deepened by grouping the nutrients or meals more effectively to highlight trends, rather than simply listing the figures. The summary of the data is accurate, but the introductory paragraph repeats information already provided in the prompt, which is unnecessary.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You have used some cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'However', and 'In contrast' to link your ideas. However, some of the transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the sentence 'where in saturated fat the highest percentage on dinner'. The flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the subject of each sentence is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the charts clearly. You have used terms like 'illustrate', 'consumed', and 'percentages' correctly. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as 'sum percentages' instead of 'total percentages' and 'consumed more' instead of 'consumed in excess'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise collocations and avoid repeating the same basic verbs. The range is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it lacks the sophistication required for a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
You have used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with prepositions and articles (e.g., 'in sodium the most percentage was on dinner' should be 'for sodium, the highest percentage was at dinner'). There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and sentence fragments, such as 'they are sodium, saturated fat and added sugar'. These errors occur throughout the text, although they do not significantly impede communication. Improving your control over basic sentence construction and article usage will help increase your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.