Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-19
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 6.5)
the given three pie charts compare the average percentages of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar in typical meals consumed in the usa.
it can be clearly seen that, dinner contains the highest proportion of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks are the main source of added sugar. breakfast consistently account for the smallest share across all three nutrients.
regarding sodium, dinner makes up 43% of daily intake which is much higher than lunch at 29%. breakfast and snacks are equal at 14% each, making them the lowest contributors.
in terms of saturated fat, the pattern is similar. dinner gain represents the largest proportion at 37%, followed by lunch at 26%. snacks account for 21%, while breakfast comprises just 16%.
the distribution of added sugar differs markedly, snacks are responsible for 42% of added sugar consumption, far exceeding the other meals. dinner and lunch are relatively similar at 23% and 19% respectively, while breakfast contains only 16%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main features and making relevant comparisons. You have successfully highlighted the key trends, such as dinner being the primary source of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks dominate added sugar intake. The overview is clear and the data is accurately reported. To reach a higher band, ensure that you provide a more analytical comparison rather than just listing the figures. For instance, you could explicitly contrast the reversal of the trend for snacks compared to the other two nutrients to provide a more cohesive summary of the data's significance.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs dedicated to each nutrient. The use of cohesive devices such as 'regarding', 'in terms of', and 'while' helps to guide the reader through the comparisons. However, the paragraphing is somewhat fragmented; the individual nutrient sections could be grouped more effectively to improve the flow. Additionally, some transitions between sentences feel slightly mechanical. Improving the variety of linking phrases and ensuring smoother transitions between the body paragraphs would enhance the overall cohesion of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the data, such as 'proportion', 'intake', 'contributors', and 'markedly'. The terminology is appropriate for an academic report. However, there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'contains' and 'account for'. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'represent' or 'comprise' to demonstrate a wider lexical range. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary used is accurate enough to convey the information clearly without any ambiguity.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the grammar is generally accurate, there are some punctuation issues, such as the comma splice in the final paragraph ('snacks are responsible for 42% of added sugar consumption, far exceeding the other meals. dinner and lunch are...'). Additionally, there are minor errors in subject-verb agreement, such as 'breakfast consistently account' (should be 'accounts') and 'dinner gain represents' (a typo). Increasing the use of more complex, error-free structures would help elevate the score in this criterion.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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