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 Pie chart illustrates the average proportions of a normal meal of three types of nutrients consumption divided into four distinct categories, which are considered bad for health if too much is eaten.

Overall, it can be observed that Sodium and fat are eaten in substantial amounts at dinner and sugar is taken in considerably higher in snacks time. However, Sodium is the highest- consuming nutrient.

Now, turning to details, salt can be found in less than a fifth proportion at breakfast and snacks. For lunch, food items carry significant amounts of salt at 43% and at lunch it is much lower, at 29%.

In America Saturated fat is consumed considerably at dinner, at 37%, at lunch and snacks it is taken at 26% and 21% respectively. Sugar, which is harmful to health if too much is taken. Sugar in the USA is consumed in major amounts at snacks and 42% at lunch and dinner about the same proportion is consumed. Nonetheless, these three nutrients are taken equally, at exactly 14% at breakfast.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying key trends such as the high consumption of sodium at dinner and sugar in snacks. However, there are significant inaccuracies in data reporting. For instance, you state sodium is 43% at lunch and 29% at dinner, whereas the chart shows 43% for dinner and 29% for lunch. Additionally, the description of sugar consumption is confusing, stating it is 42% at lunch and dinner, which does not align with the provided data. While you attempt to make comparisons, these factual errors hinder the clarity of the report and prevent a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, including an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices like 'Overall', 'However', and 'Nonetheless' to connect ideas. However, the progression within the body paragraphs is sometimes disjointed due to the factual errors and awkward phrasing. For example, the transition 'Now, turning to details' is a bit mechanical. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when discussing the percentages for different meals, which makes it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'substantial amounts', 'proportions', and 'nutrients'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'highest-consuming nutrient' is slightly unnatural; 'most consumed nutrient' would be better. You also repeat 'consumed' and 'taken' frequently. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the general meaning, the lack of precision in reporting the data and some repetitive phrasing limit the score to the 6.0 band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'sugar is taken in considerably higher in snacks time' (should be 'higher during snack time') and 'at lunch it is much lower, at 29%' (referring to sodium, but the antecedent is unclear). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but some sentences are clunky. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher band score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and clearer sentence construction.

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