Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The pie charts show that the average percentages of nutrients such as sodium, saturated fat and added sugar in USA , all of them are dangerous for health if eaten too much.
First of all, the pie charts show that the percentage nutrients in different products such as snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. In sodium the percentage of snack about 14% while its percentage greatly increased in saturated fat is 21% then its percentage three time increase in sugar approximately 42%. The percentage of breakfast is 14% in sodium while its percentage slightly increase in saturated fat about 16% then in sugar its percentage remain same.
Furthermore, the percentage of lunch is 29% in sodium while its percentage slightly decrease in saturated fat is 26% then its percentage constant decrease in sugar about 19%. At the end , The percentage of dinner 43% in sodium while its percentage slightly decrease in saturated fat about 37% then its percentage two time decrease in sugar approximately 23%.
Overall, trend show that the percentage of meal gradually decrease in lunch and dinner in all nutrients while the percentage of snack highly increase in all nutrients.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response identifies the main features of the charts, but the analysis is significantly flawed due to inaccurate data interpretation. For example, you state that sodium in snacks is 14% and increases to 21% in saturated fat, but the charts show sodium is 14% for snacks, while saturated fat is 21% for snacks. You have confused the categories (nutrients vs. meal types) throughout the report. Furthermore, the overview provided at the end is factually incorrect based on the data provided, as it claims a 'gradual decrease' in lunch and dinner, which does not align with the figures. To improve, ensure you carefully map the labels to the correct data points before writing.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'In sodium the percentage of snack about 14%' and 'At the end, The percentage of dinner' are disjointed and lack logical flow. The referencing is also unclear because the data interpretation is confused, making it difficult to follow the progression of ideas. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'conversely', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') and ensure that each sentence logically connects to the previous one.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'percentage', 'increase', and 'decrease'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'its percentage three time increase' instead of 'a threefold increase'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to convey the data with precision. To improve, you should incorporate more varied reporting verbs and nouns related to data analysis, such as 'account for', 'represent', 'a significant proportion', or 'a marginal rise'. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and adverbs will also help you describe the trends more accurately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'trend show'), missing articles, and awkward sentence structures (e.g., 'all of them are dangerous for health if eaten too much'). While there is an attempt to use complex sentences, they are often faulty or poorly constructed. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and capital letters. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject and verb, and proofreading for common errors like missing articles and pluralisation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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