Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-14
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 ILLUSTRATE ABOUT PERCENTAGES OF THREE NUTRIENTS, THAT IS BECOME UNHEALTHY IF EATEN TOO MUCH. THERE IS THREE PIE CHARTS THAT SHOW THREE NUTRIENTS SODIUM, SATURATED FAT AND ADDED SUGAR IN SNACK, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER.
SODIUM IS CONSUMED BY MOST AMERICANS IN DINNER 43%. AND IN BREAKFAST AND SNACK THERE IS SIMILAR PERCENTAGE OF SODIUM TAKEN THATS 14%. AND SECOND HIGHEST CONSUM IN LUNCH 29%. SATURATED FAT IS MOSTLY EAT MORE IN DINNER BY AMERICANS AND LIST CONSUME IN BREAKFAST. IN SNACK THERE IS 21% AND IN LUCH 26% CONSUMPTION BY U.S.A PEOPLE.
IN ADDED SUGAR THERE IS HIGHEST LEVEL OF CONSUME IN SNACK THAT MORE THAT SATURATED FAT AND SODIUM IN THE SNACK. THERE IS LEAST PERCENTAGE IN BREAKFAST AND SECOND HIGHEST IN DINNER 23%. AND IN LUCH THERE IS 19% ADDDED SUGAR EAT BY AMERICANS.
OVERALL, THERE IS HIGHEST CONSUMPTION OF SODIUM IN DINNER AND LEAST IN BOTH SNACK AND BREAKFAST. AND FOR SATURATED FAT AMERICANS EAT MORE IN DINNER AND LIST IN BREAKFAST. AND FOR ADDED SUGAR USA PEOPLE PREFER MORE IN SNACK AND LOWEST IN BREAKFAST.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying the key trends for sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While the data is presented, the comparisons are basic and the report relies heavily on listing figures rather than synthesizing the information effectively. The inclusion of all three nutrients and their distribution across meal types is present, but the lack of sophisticated grouping or highlighting of significant differences limits the score. To improve, focus on identifying the most striking differences or similarities across the categories rather than describing each chart in isolation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is very limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'And in...' and 'There is...' are used frequently, making the flow feel mechanical rather than natural. Paragraphing is present, but the transition between ideas is abrupt. To reach a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' 'Conversely') to connect sentences and ideas more fluidly, and ensure that referencing is clear throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'list consume' instead of 'lowest consumption' and 'added sugar eat by Americans' instead of 'added sugar consumption by Americans.' The range of vocabulary is limited to the terms provided in the prompt. To improve, you should aim to use a wider range of synonyms and more precise collocations to describe data trends, such as 'account for,' 'constitute,' or 'a significant proportion.'
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('There is three pie charts'), incorrect verb forms ('is become unhealthy'), and awkward phrasing ('that more that saturated fat'). While the meaning is generally clear, these errors are persistent and occur throughout the text. The range of sentence structures is limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and the correct use of articles and prepositions. Incorporating more complex sentence structures would also help demonstrate a wider grammatical range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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