Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The pie charts illustrate the average proportion of three distinct nutrients in different foods in the USA which can cause health risks if consumed in abundance.

Overall, the proportion of all three nutrients in breakfast remained relatively equal. Dinner had the highest percentage of sodium and saturated fat, whereas, snacks contained a significant amount of added sugar. Lunch consistently remained at the second position through out in containing all three nutrients.

Sodium and saturated fat were excessively found in dinner with 43% and 37%. There was a substantial amount of added sugars in snacks at 42%. Lunch carried 29%, 26%, and 19% of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar, respectively which remained the second highest in all nutrients.

The percentage of saturated fat and added sugar was the same in breakfast and sodium was just 2% less at 14%. Similarly, snacks contained the same proportion of sodium. Added sugar had the least significance in dinner with only 23% which was less than the other two.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the charts and provided a clear overview. You accurately highlighted the key trends, such as dinner having the highest sodium and saturated fat, and snacks containing the most added sugar. The comparisons between meal types are generally well-supported by the data provided. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with complete accuracy; for instance, your statement that 'the percentage of saturated fat and added sugar was the same in breakfast' is slightly imprecise based on the visual data. Overall, you have addressed all requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group information by meal type and nutrient category. You use cohesive devices such as 'whereas,' 'similarly,' and 'respectively' to connect ideas effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, and there is a clear progression of information throughout the text. To improve further, ensure that transitions between sentences are even smoother to avoid a slightly mechanical feel in some places, such as the transition between the second and third paragraphs.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'consumed in abundance,' 'substantial amount,' and 'least significance' show an attempt to use more sophisticated language. However, there are some minor issues with collocation and word choice, such as 'excessively found' (which is slightly unnatural; 'predominantly found' or 'highest levels were found' would be better) and 'remained at the second position through out in containing' (which is wordy and slightly awkward). Expanding your range of precise academic vocabulary would help elevate your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, and your control of grammar is generally good. Most sentences are error-free and easy to follow. There are a few minor slips, such as 'through out in containing' and the slightly awkward phrasing in the final paragraph regarding the comparison of percentages. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the meaning is never obscured by grammatical errors. To reach a higher band, focus on incorporating a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice or subordinate clauses, with greater precision.

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

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