Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)
The pie charts elucidates the average percentages of sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars in foods consumed in United States of America.
Taking a general overview, the dinner has the maximum amount of sodium and saturated fats, whereas, the highest amount of added sugar is in the snacks.
It is pellucid that 43% of sodium is found in dinner which forms the highest nutrient. It drops to 29% in lunch and about 14% can be observed in breakfast and snacks. Subsequently, dinner contains 37% of saturated fat. 26% of the same can be seen in lunch which drops by 5% in the snack items. Only 16% of saturated fat is contained in breakfast which is the lowest.
Moving further, the snacks comprises of 42% of the added sugar which is slightly more than two-fifths of all other nutrients. It falls drastically to 23% in dinner meals. A slight decrease of added sugar can be seen in lunch. Breakfast consists of 16% of the total added sugar which is the lowest number.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response successfully identifies the main features of the charts and makes relevant comparisons. You have clearly highlighted the highest values for each nutrient and noted the differences between meal types. However, the analysis is slightly mechanical, listing percentages rather than synthesizing the data more fluidly. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more analytical; for example, instead of just listing the percentages for saturated fat, you could contrast the significant gap between dinner and breakfast more explicitly. Overall, you have covered all parts of the task effectively and provided a clear overview.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Taking a general overview', 'Subsequently', and 'Moving further' helps guide the reader through the information. However, some transitions are slightly repetitive or mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the data. To improve, try to vary the linking phrases and ensure that the progression between sentences feels more natural rather than just a list of data points.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the data, including terms like 'elucidates', 'subsequently', and 'drastically'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'the snacks comprises of' (should be 'comprise') and 'the highest nutrient' (sodium is a nutrient, not a percentage). While the vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate for the task, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and comparative adjectives would enhance the quality of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('the snacks comprises of') and article usage ('in United States of America' should be 'in the United States of America'). Additionally, 'the dinner' is often used where 'dinner' (general) would be more appropriate. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and article placement will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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