Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-11

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 charts below depicts various nutrients in average meals in USA such as sodium , saturated fat and added sugar which are termed as unhealthy if they are consumed more than required.

Overall, the pie charts illustrate a fluctuating trends among all three nutrients. As saturated fats and added sugar are consumed in higher percentages as compared to sodium.

Sodium is largely consumed in dinners at the ratio of 43, while 29% of it is only eaten in lunch. Meanwhile, snacks and breakfast share the same ratio of 14% consumption. Furthermore, saturated fats ratio increased in dinner by 37 whereas, 16% is only consumed in breakfast. Snacks and lunch only consist of 21% and 26% of fats respectively.

The ratio of snacks in terms of added sugar rose by 42 while, the dinner and lunch consists of only 23% and the breakfast ratio remained same as the fats by 16%

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all three nutrients and provides a clear overview. However, the data reporting is inconsistent. You use the term 'ratio' incorrectly throughout the text; for example, stating 'at the ratio of 43' when referring to percentages. Additionally, some data points are inaccurate or poorly presented, such as claiming the breakfast ratio for added sugar 'remained same as the fats by 16%', which is confusing. While the main features are identified, the lack of precision in data interpretation and the misuse of terminology prevent this from reaching a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs for the data. Cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'Furthermore', and 'Overall' are used to link ideas. However, the progression within paragraphs is sometimes hindered by awkward phrasing and the misuse of terms like 'ratio'. The referencing is generally clear, but the flow is occasionally interrupted by the repetitive structure of the sentences. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate, but the internal cohesion could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the data comparisons are more fluid.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but there is a lack of precision. The repeated misuse of 'ratio' instead of 'percentage' or 'proportion' is a significant issue. Phrases like 'fluctuating trends' are used, but the description of the data is somewhat limited. There are no major spelling errors, but the range of vocabulary is restricted, and the student relies on basic descriptors. To improve, you should focus on using more precise mathematical language and varying your descriptive verbs to avoid repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The pie charts below depicts' (subject-verb agreement) and 'the dinner and lunch consists of' (subject-verb agreement). Additionally, the phrasing 'at the ratio of 43' is grammatically awkward. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to affect the overall clarity. A greater focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions would significantly improve the accuracy of the writing.

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