Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-18

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 given pie chart illustrates the comparison of typical meals of three kinds of nutrients including sodium, saturated fat and added sugar which could be harmful if consume too much in the USA.

Overall, sodium and saturated fat were taken in large quantity in dinner. However, added sugar was most likely eaten in snakes.

Firstly, in the morning people of USA consume about 14% of sodium and 14% of saturated fat but the added sugar taken in breakfast was 16%. Then in second meal, sodium and saturated fat increased to 29% and 24% respectively while added sugar had a slight increase of 4%.

In the snacks, the residents were most interested in sweet hence added sugar was 42% in snacks and 21% of saturated fat while only 14% of sodium. Finally in dinner, most of sodium and fat were eaten and can be unhealthy. Sodium had the highest percentage of 42% compare to other two nutrients. In contrast, fat and added sugar had percentage of 37% and 23%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features of the three nutrients across four meal categories. You successfully highlight key trends, such as the high levels of added sugar in snacks and the peak of sodium and saturated fat in dinner. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, listing figures rather than synthesizing them into a more cohesive comparison. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more analytical, for example, by grouping similar trends or highlighting the most significant deviations more clearly. The overview is present but could be more effectively integrated to provide a clearer summary of the overall data patterns.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, moving from an introduction to an overview, then detailing the specific meal data. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Then', 'In the snacks', and 'Finally' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly repetitive or mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, though the flow between sentences could be improved by using more varied linking phrases to connect the data points more fluidly. Paragraphing is used appropriately, which helps the reader follow the progression of the information.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'nutrients', 'saturated fat', and 'percentages'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'snakes' (likely a typo for 'snacks') and 'consume too much' (should be 'consumed in excess'). The phrasing 'most interested in sweet' is slightly unnatural; 'preferred sugary foods' would be more precise. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and comparative adjectives would enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'if consume too much' (should be 'if consumed in excess'), 'added sugar taken in breakfast was 16%' (missing article 'the'), and 'compare to other two' (should be 'compared to the other two'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and ensuring that passive voice constructions are grammatically sound.

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

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