Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-07
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 6.0)
The below chart depicts the intake of these ingredients in every meal consumed in the USA, which is calculated on the average percentage basis also these nutrients may be unhealthy if consumed too much.
Overall, the usage of sodium and saturated fat is consumed more in the dinner. Whereas added sugar is taken more in the meal such as snacks, but the proportion of sodium as well as saturated fat is consumed less as in snacks. Breakfast has the lowest proportion of these ingredients, as compared to other meals.
To begin with, as we can see clearly the intake of sodium and saturated fat is higher during the dinner with 43 percentage and 37 percentage respectively. Whereas the added sugar is dominant in snacks with the average of 42 percentage. Furthermore, saturated fat and added sugar are consumed equally in the meals of breakfast with average consumption of 16 percent.
Moreover, the intake of sodium is merely equal in the meals of snack and well as breakfast with a tie of 14 percentage each in every meal.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all key features of the charts, including the main trends for sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars across the four meal types. You successfully identified the peaks (dinner for sodium/fat, snacks for sugar) and made relevant comparisons, such as noting the lowest proportions in breakfast. However, the analysis could be more precise; for instance, the description of 'merely equal' intake for sodium in snacks and breakfast is slightly inaccurate given the data. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are mathematically precise and that the overview clearly synthesizes the most significant trends rather than just listing data points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'To begin with', and 'Moreover' to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally awkward, such as in the phrase 'the usage of sodium and saturated fat is consumed more'. Improving the flow between sentences and ensuring that pronouns or references clearly point back to the intended subjects would enhance the overall coherence. The paragraphing is appropriate and supports the logical progression of ideas.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'depicts', 'proportion', 'dominant', and 'respectively'. However, there are some issues with word choice and collocation. For example, 'usage of sodium... is consumed' is redundant and slightly unnatural; nutrients are 'intaken' or 'consumed', not 'used'. Additionally, 'merely equal' is an incorrect collocation in this context. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and avoid repetitive phrasing. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but lacks the flexibility and sophistication required for a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. For instance, 'the below chart' should be 'the chart below', and 'in the meal such as snacks' is grammatically awkward. There are also issues with preposition usage, such as 'consumed more in the dinner' (should be 'at dinner'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Increasing the variety of error-free complex structures and refining prepositional usage will help improve this score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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