Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The presented pie chart illustrates, three types of nutrients average percentages in different meals consumed in the USA, in which it may be unhealthy if consumed too much.

Overall, percentage of sodium and saturated fats are consumed excessively during dinner. Meanwhile, added sugar are consumed in large quantity during snacks.

It is clear from the presented pie chart that the USA consumes excess sodium during dinner which is about 43%. Whereas during dinner 37% of saturated fats are being consumed. As added sugars are typically considered unhealthy it is consumed in excess amounts during snacks. While sodium is consumed moderately during lunch and breakfast it is being consumed 29% during lunch. Saturated fats are consumed 21% and 26% during snacks and lunch respectively. Added sugars are being consumed moderately during breakfast and lunch whereas consumed 23% during dinner.

In conclusion the USA consumes excess amounts of sodium and added sugars which is typically considered unhealthy if eaten too much.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying key trends such as the high sodium and saturated fat content in dinner and the high sugar content in snacks. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview that synthesises the data effectively. While the main features are reported, the comparison between categories could be more sophisticated. The conclusion is a bit repetitive and does not add new insight. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the most significant differences across all three nutrient categories rather than just listing individual data points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and occasionally mechanical (e.g., 'Meanwhile', 'It is clear from'). The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the sentence 'As added sugars are typically considered unhealthy it is consumed in excess amounts during snacks', where the connection between the health warning and the data is slightly disjointed. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would elevate the coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and range expected at higher bands. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'consumed' and 'eaten'. Phrases such as 'in large quantity' and 'excess amounts' are functional but not particularly sophisticated. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more varied collocations and precise terminology related to data description, such as 'account for', 'constitute', or 'predominate'. Additionally, ensure subject-verb agreement, as seen in 'added sugar are consumed', which should be 'added sugars are consumed'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text, such as 'three types of nutrients average percentages' (should be 'the average percentages of three types of nutrients') and 'it is consumed' referring to plural 'sugars'. Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence structure in the introduction is slightly awkward. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and more accurate preposition usage will help improve your accuracy.

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

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