Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-10

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 illustrates the proportion of different types of nutrients in meals which have hazards on human body if they consume too much. The meals taken by the people in USA have sodium , saturated fats and add sugar.

Overall percentage of sodium and saturated fat is consume in dinner while the consumption of sugar is too much in snack .

In the first chart sodium intake is higher in dinner with 43% which is more than in the lunch and in USA people consume less sodium in breakfast and snacks with percentages of 14 % respectively.

Saturated fat is more is too low in breakfast with the number of 16% which repetitively increase during the other meals and reach 37% in dinner.Moreover add sugar is dominating in snack as 42% which is higher from other meals and lower intake taken from population is breakfast.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While you have identified the main features of the charts, the analysis is somewhat superficial. You correctly highlight that sodium and saturated fat are highest in dinner and added sugar is highest in snacks. However, the report lacks a clear overview that synthesizes the data effectively, and the under-length nature of the response means that the information is not fully developed. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive summary and reach the required word count to fully address all parts of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by awkward phrasing and a lack of cohesive devices. Transitions between sentences are often missing or mechanical, such as the abrupt start to the second paragraph. The use of referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the different meals. To improve, use a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'in contrast', 'furthermore', 'consequently') to connect your ideas more smoothly and ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'consume', 'intake', and 'higher'. There are also several errors in word choice and form, such as 'have hazards on human body' (should be 'pose health risks') and 'add sugar' (should be 'added sugar'). The phrase 'repetitively increase' is also used incorrectly in this context. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'significant', 'fluctuate', or 'predominant'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues (e.g., 'The given charts illustrates') and awkward sentence structures. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around commas. While you attempt to use some complex structures, they are often faulty, which can occasionally impede the reader's understanding. Focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that subjects and verbs agree, and proofreading for minor errors in articles and prepositions to improve your accuracy.

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

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