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 throughout 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 relevant comparisons. You covered all three nutrients and the four meal categories. The overview is clear and highlights the key trends effectively. However, there are some inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, you stated that 'the proportion of all three nutrients in breakfast remained relatively equal', but the data shows sodium at 14%, saturated fat at 16%, and added sugar at 16%, which is accurate, but your description of dinner as having the 'least significance' for added sugar at 23% is slightly confusing in its phrasing. Overall, the response is well-structured and addresses the prompt requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'similarly', and 'respectively' to link ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed data analysis. The progression of ideas is generally smooth, although the transition between the second and third paragraphs could be slightly more refined to improve the flow of information. Referencing is clear, and the overall structure allows the reader to follow the comparison of the nutrients across the different meals without difficulty.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'consumed in abundance', 'consistently remained', and 'least significance' show an attempt to use varied language. There are some minor issues with collocation, such as 'excessively found in dinner', which sounds slightly unnatural; 'predominantly found' or 'highest in' would be more precise. You use technical terms like 'nutrients', 'sodium', and 'saturated fat' correctly. The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication of the data trends.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and error-free, which ensures that the meaning is never obscured. There are a few minor grammatical slips, such as 'throughout in containing' and 'the second highest in all nutrients', which could be phrased more naturally as 'the second highest for all nutrients'. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the use of commas for lists is handled well. While the range of complex structures is somewhat limited, the control over the grammar used is good, and errors are infrequent.

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

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