Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-12
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 graphs illustrates the main features and comparison across the three components in regular four times of meals taken in the USA.
Overall, it is evident that the dinner times have highest proportions of sodium and saturated fat. However, snack times have highest consumption of added sugar, whereas, the consumption at breakfast have least ratio across all three ingredients.
Regarding the mineral categories, the data showed the similar pattern that dinner meal contained sodium and saturated fat had the highest figures of all, that were 43% and 37% respectively. However, sodium had the least proportions in both the snacks and breakfast times, while, the least ratio of saturated fat was observed at morning meal times.
In the remaining category, the data shows that sugar consumption in the snacks is at the highest rates, whereas, breakfast showed the least figures.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main features of the charts, the analysis is somewhat brief and lacks the depth required for a higher band. You have successfully highlighted the key trends, such as dinner having the highest sodium and saturated fat, and snacks having the highest added sugar. However, the report would benefit from more detailed comparisons and a more thorough overview of the data points. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive summary that fully explores the data provided in the charts, ensuring you meet the length requirement to allow for full development of your ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use some cohesive devices like 'Overall', 'However', and 'Regarding', which provide a basic structure. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the use of cohesive devices could be more varied and sophisticated. For example, the transition between the discussion of sodium/saturated fat and sugar is a bit abrupt. To improve, try to use a wider range of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through your analysis of the data.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main points, such as 'proportions', 'consumption', and 'ingredients'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For instance, 'regular four times of meals' is unnatural; 'four meal times' would be better. Similarly, 'mineral categories' is not the most precise term for nutrients like sodium or sugar. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensure that your word choices are contextually appropriate. Expanding your range of synonyms for 'highest' and 'lowest' would also add variety to your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout. For example, 'The pie graphs illustrates' contains a subject-verb agreement error, and 'the data showed the similar pattern' should be 'a similar pattern'. Additionally, there are issues with article usage and phrasing, such as 'at the highest rates' and 'the least ratio'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to affect the overall clarity. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will help improve your grammatical accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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