Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-23
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 three pie charts illustrate the average quantity of typical food in three types of nutrients and if anyone consumes it too much, it can cause severe health problems. The three types of nutrients are sodium, saturated fat and added sugar.
Overall, the dinner is accounted for containing highest number of sodium and saturated fat, whereas the amount of added sugar is more in a snack. However, the breakfast accounts for the lowest percentage.
Firstly, the number of the sodium nutrients is equal in snack and a breakfast at 14% and the addition of both time also adds 1% that's the equal quantity of sodium nutrients as in lunch. Moreover, the number of sodium is too much in a dinner at 43%. On the other hand, the saturated fat and added sugar are equal in breakfast at 16% but more than 10% from the breakfast is equal to saturated fat contributing to the lunch. Although, the figure for snacks is 5% lower than that for lunch but the figure for dinner is 11% higher than that for lunch at 37%. Meanwhile, the amount of added sugar in snack is nearly equal than the dinner and contained sodium at 42%. In addition, the added sugar is contain in a lunch is just 3% higher than breakfast and also a dinner is 3 % higher than a lunch at 23%.
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 all parts of the task by identifying the main features of the three charts. You successfully highlight the highest and lowest values for each nutrient. However, the analysis is somewhat cluttered and occasionally confusing. For example, the description of sodium levels in snacks and breakfast is mathematically accurate but phrased in a way that is difficult to follow. To improve, focus on grouping the data more logically—perhaps by nutrient or by meal—rather than jumping between categories. While you have selected key features, the comparison between the charts could be more precise to ensure the reader clearly understands the relative proportions.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the flow of ideas is often hindered by awkward transitions and repetitive sentence structures. Phrases like 'the number of the sodium nutrients' and 'the addition of both time' are unclear and disrupt the logical progression of your argument. While you use some cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Firstly', and 'Moreover', their usage is sometimes mechanical or imprecise. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider range of linking words and ensuring that each sentence clearly refers back to the previous one to create a smoother narrative.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision required for a higher score. You rely heavily on basic terms like 'number' and 'amount', which are not always the most accurate descriptors for percentages. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'the addition of both time' and 'the added sugar is contain in a lunch'. To improve, try to incorporate more specific academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'constitute', 'account for', and 'predominate'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help you avoid repetition and express your ideas with greater clarity and sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the reader's understanding. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the added sugar is contain in a lunch') and incorrect preposition usage. Additionally, some sentences are overly complex in a way that makes them difficult to parse, such as the sentence beginning 'Although, the figure for snacks is 5% lower...'. While these errors do not completely obscure the meaning, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for subject-verb agreement will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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