Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)
The three pie chart illustrates the average percentages of Sodium, Saturated fat and Added sugar contained in four types of meals consumed in the USA: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overall, dinner accounts for the largest proportion of Sodium and saturated fat, while snacks contain by far the highest percentages of added sugar. Breakfast contributes the smallest proportions for all three nutrients.
Regarding sodium, dinner represents the highest figure, at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. Breakfast accounts for 14%, while snacking remaining at 14%. A similar pattern ca be seen for saturated fat. Dinner is again same at the largest contributor, at 37%, whereas lunch accounts for 26%. snacks contribute 21%, and breakfast has the lowest proportion, at 16%.
The distribution of added sugar is noticeably different. Snacks for 42%, which is almost twice the figure for dinner, at 23%. Lunch contributes 19%, while breakfast has the lowest percentage, at 16%.
In summary, dinner is the main source of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks are the largest contributor to add sugar.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response successfully identifies the main features and provides a clear overview of the data. You have accurately selected and reported the key trends, such as dinner being the primary source of sodium and saturated fat, and snacks being the main source of added sugar. The comparisons between the categories are relevant and well-supported by the data provided in the charts. All parts of the prompt are addressed, and the information is presented in a logical manner. To reach a higher band, ensure that you consistently use precise terminology and avoid minor inaccuracies in data reporting, such as the slight confusion in the introduction regarding the number of meals listed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is well-organized with a clear structure, including an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is logical, moving from a general summary to specific details for each nutrient. Cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'A similar pattern', and 'In summary' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, there are some minor mechanical issues, such as the missing verb in 'Snacks for 42%' and the slightly awkward phrasing in the introduction. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring grammatical completeness within sentences would enhance the flow further.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Terms like 'proportion', 'contributor', 'distribution', and 'noticeably different' are used appropriately. There are some minor errors in word choice and form, such as 'add sugar' instead of 'added sugar' and the repetition of 'accounts for'. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more sophisticated synonyms or collocations related to data description would help elevate the response. The errors present do not impede communication, but they do limit the range of lexical precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'The three pie chart illustrates' (subject-verb agreement), 'snacking remaining at 14%' (incorrect verb form), and 'Dinner is again same at the largest contributor' (awkward phrasing). Additionally, there is a typo in 'ca be seen'. These errors are frequent enough to prevent a higher score, although they do not cause significant difficulty for the reader. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent verb tense usage will improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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