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 given pie chart demonstrate the average percentage in typical meals of nutrients which include sodium, saturated fat and added sugar
overall all, it is evident that dinner have the large share of proportion in sodium and saturated fat. Meanwhile, snack has contributed more in to added sugars. In addition, breakfast has equal proportion in saturated fat and added sugar
To begin with, sodium and saturated fat plays a vital role in dinner which accounts for 43% of sodium and 37% of saturated fat and sugar is being least among all. In contrast, breakfast almost shares the equal proportion in all three nutrients. Similarly, lunch also shares the equal proportion in sodium and saturated fat and added sugar being at lowest with 19%. Snacks have a different percentage of nutrients. Added sugar has largest proportion which accounts for 42% and saturated fat at second position which accounts for 21% and sodium being the lowest which is at 14%
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying the key trends for dinner and snacks. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, cohesive overview. While you mention that dinner has the largest share of sodium and saturated fat, the comparison between meals could be more analytical. For instance, the statement that breakfast shares an 'equal proportion' in all three nutrients is not entirely accurate based on the data provided. To achieve a higher band, ensure that you group data logically rather than listing figures for each meal sequentially, and focus on highlighting the most significant differences and similarities between the categories.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'To begin with', 'Similarly', 'In contrast'). The transition between the introduction and the body paragraphs is abrupt. While there is a logical progression, the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as when you refer to 'the equal proportion' without specifying which nutrients are being compared. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would significantly enhance the flow and coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. You rely on basic descriptors like 'large share', 'lowest', and 'second position'. There are also some minor errors in collocation and word choice, such as 'snack has contributed more in to added sugars' and 'sugar is being least'. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to data description, such as 'predominant', 'account for a significant portion', or 'constitute'. Expanding your range of synonyms for 'increase', 'decrease', and 'proportion' will help you express the data more naturally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally hinder readability. For example, subject-verb agreement is inconsistent, such as 'sodium and saturated fat plays' (should be 'play') and 'dinner have the large share' (should be 'dinner has'). Punctuation is also lacking, particularly the absence of full stops at the end of sentences in the first two paragraphs. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar and punctuation prevent the writing from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and basic sentence punctuation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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