Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-17

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 pie charts depicts the proportions of sodium, sugar and saturated fat in breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack in regular meals of Americans.

Overall, breakfast contains the most stable amount of all three nutrients, wheras snacks have the most unstable amount of all nutrients given.

To dive into specifics, typical breakfast in America contains 14% sodium and same amount of added sugar and saturated fat(16%). Similarly, lunch of Americans has 19% sugar, 26% saturtated fat and slightly more 29% sodium. There is a huge difference in the nutrient levels between sodium(43%) , saturated fat(37%) and 23% added sugar in regular dinner. It is notisable that the highest amount of fluctuation in nutrients proportion is in snacks, with double the proportion of sugar(42%) than saturated fat(21%) and 14% sodium. While, snacks cover more than a quater of sugar compared to all other meals, dinner contributes the most in terms of sodium. Dinner dominated in another field of saturated fat 37%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task and provides a clear overview. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the high sodium content in dinner and the high sugar content in snacks. However, the analysis is slightly hampered by some inaccuracies in data reporting. For instance, you state that breakfast contains 14% sodium and 16% for both sugar and saturated fat, but the chart shows 16% sodium, 16% sugar, and 14% saturated fat. Additionally, the comparison of 'snacks' is slightly confusing in its phrasing. To improve, ensure that data points are transcribed with absolute precision, as this is a key requirement for Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'While', and 'Overall' to guide the reader. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical, and some transitions feel slightly forced. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the internal structure of the third paragraph could be improved by grouping the data more effectively rather than listing figures sequentially. The use of referencing is generally clear, though the connection between the final sentences regarding dinner and snacks could be smoother to enhance the overall progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportions', 'fluctuation', and 'dominated'. There are some spelling errors, such as 'wheras' (whereas), 'notisable' (noticeable), 'saturtated' (saturated), and 'quater' (quarter). These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the score. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise collocations and ensure accuracy in spelling. The vocabulary is functional and allows for a clear description of the charts, but it lacks the sophistication and variety required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'The pie charts depicts' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'lunch of Americans has' (missing article). Additionally, the phrase 'slightly more 29% sodium' is grammatically awkward. While you attempt complex structures, the frequency of minor errors prevents a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing. Most sentences are understandable, but the control over complex grammar needs to be more consistent.

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

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