Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The given pie chart show the average percentages of a day-to-day meal in USA of three types of nutrients. Which are unhealthy if consumed in a large quantity.

To begin with, three pie charts of Sodium, Saturated fat and Added sugar is shown, in the first pie chart, the major consumption of sodium is at dinner of 43%, After that, 29% of sodium is found in lunch leaving two sectors, both of which are having the same percentages of 14%.

Second, to start with dinner having the highest percentage of saturated fat of 37%, then, Lunch being 26%, after that, snack and breakfast having the lowest percentage of 21% and 16%.

Third, snack is the major sector in the added sugar chart having 42%. Followed by, dinner having sugar of 23%. Following that, Breakfast and lunch accumulating 16% and 19% each.

Overall, it is observed from all perspectives that people in USA are consuming unhealthy food majorly in dinner and as snacks.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all three charts and identifies key features such as the highest consumption categories. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, listing percentages rather than synthesising the data effectively. While the main features are highlighted, the comparison between the three nutrients is limited. The overview is present but could be more detailed by contrasting the trends across the different meal types more explicitly. To improve, focus on grouping data points to show relationships rather than simply listing figures for each chart sequentially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical, such as the frequent use of 'After that', 'Second', and 'Third'. Some transitions are slightly awkward, such as 'Following that, Breakfast and lunch accumulating 16% and 19% each', which lacks a clear grammatical link to the previous sentence. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence flows naturally into the next would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There is a reliance on basic terms like 'major', 'shown', and 'percentages'. The phrasing 'major sector' and 'accumulating' is used, but the overall range is limited. There are no significant errors in word choice that impede communication, but the lexical range does not demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands. Incorporating more precise academic vocabulary related to data description would strengthen this section.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The given pie chart show' (subject-verb agreement) and 'all of which are having' (incorrect tense usage). Additionally, the first paragraph contains a sentence fragment: 'Which are unhealthy if consumed in a large quantity.' Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some sentences starting with lowercase letters or lacking proper conjunctions. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents a higher score.

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

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