Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-24

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 charts illustrate the percentage of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars in typical meals consumed in the usa.

Overall, it is evident that both sodium and saturated fat has the highest proportions in dinner while added sugar accounted for nearly half in snack category. In contrast, sodium, saturated fat and added sugar was the least consumed nutrients in breakfast meal.

Regarding the sodium consumption, dinner recorded the highest proportion at 43%, followed by lunch at 29, while snack and breakfast has the same figures at 14% respectively. On the other hand, added sugar ranked the highest consumed nutrients in snack at 42% and dinner accounted for 23% followed by lunch at 19% and breakfast at 16%.

It it clear that saturated fat were the most consumed nutrients in dinner accounted for 37% followed by lunch at 26%. Snack accounted for 21% and breakfast at 16% respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying key trends such as dinner being the highest for sodium and saturated fats, and snacks for added sugars. However, the response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the task achievement score. While the data is generally accurate, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a more sophisticated synthesis of the information. To improve, ensure you meet the length requirement and aim to group data points more effectively to highlight significant comparisons rather than just listing figures.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific nutrients. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Regarding', and 'On the other hand' are used to guide the reader. However, the progression of ideas is slightly repetitive, and some transitions feel mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the overall flow could be improved by using more varied linking phrases to connect the data points more fluidly. The structure is clear, but the lack of depth in the analysis limits the coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with terms like 'proportions', 'consumed', and 'nutrients' used correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive, with the word 'accounted' appearing multiple times. There is little evidence of less common lexical items or sophisticated collocations. To reach a higher band, you should aim to vary your vocabulary by using synonyms and more precise descriptive language to discuss the data, rather than relying on simple verbs like 'recorded' or 'accounted for'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There are several grammatical errors that affect the accuracy of the writing. For example, subject-verb agreement issues are present: 'sodium and saturated fat has' (should be 'have') and 'saturated fat were' (should be 'was'). Additionally, there are minor punctuation and capitalization errors, such as 'usa' (should be 'USA') and 'It it clear'. While there is an attempt at complex sentence structures, the frequent errors in basic grammar and agreement prevent the writing from being considered error-free. Focusing on proofreading for subject-verb agreement would significantly improve your score.

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

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