Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-06
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 chart wheel illustrates the average percentages of three types of nutrients: sodium, saturated fat, added sugar in typical meals consumed in USA.
Firstly, if we talk about sodium in breakfast and snack time the percentage is equal which is 14%. In dinner it is higher than lunch time that is 43%. In lunch they consume 29% of sodium in their meals.
Secondly, saturated fat's percentage in breakfast is comparatively 2 percent higher than sodium and in snacks percentage is 21% and in lunch and dinner they consume less saturated fat in their meals than sodium.
In USA sugar's percentage in breakfast is same as in saturated fat in snacks they consume 42% added sugar which is too high. In lunch the percentage of added sugar is below average that is 19 percent. In dinner the people of USA consume 23 % of added sugar that is also below average and a decent percentage.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the charts, but the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview. While you identify specific percentages for sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar, the report reads more like a list of data points rather than a cohesive summary. To reach a higher band, you must include a clear 'overview' paragraph that highlights the most significant trends or differences across the three nutrients. Additionally, some comparisons are slightly inaccurate or confusing, such as describing 23% as a 'decent percentage,' which is subjective and inappropriate for an academic task. Focus on objective reporting of the data rather than providing personal commentary.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'Firstly,' 'Secondly,' 'In USA'). The progression of ideas is logical, but the transitions between sentences could be smoother to improve the flow. Referencing is generally clear, but the lack of a concluding summary or a distinct overview paragraph limits the overall coherence. To improve, try using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through the data being presented.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range required for a higher band. You rely on basic descriptors and repetitive phrasing, such as 'percentage is' and 'consume.' There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'chart wheel' (the prompt refers to charts) and 'snack time.' To improve, incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to data analysis, such as 'account for,' 'constitute,' 'fluctuate,' or 'proportion.' Avoid subjective language like 'decent percentage,' as academic writing requires a neutral, objective tone to describe statistical information accurately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('in USA' should be 'in the USA') and prepositions. Some sentences are clunky, such as 'saturated fat's percentage in breakfast is comparatively 2 percent higher than sodium.' The punctuation is generally functional, but there are instances where sentence boundaries are unclear. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Aim to vary your sentence structures by using more complex clauses to describe the relationships between the data points more fluidly.
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.