Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-25
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 7.5)
The pie charts illustrate the average proportions of three types of nutrients, namely sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar, consumed in different meals in the USA.
Overall, dinner accounts for the highest intake of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks contain the greatest proportion of added sugar. In contrast, breakfast contributes the lowest percentage of all three nutrients.
Looking first at sodium consumption, dinner represents the largest share, at 43%, followed by lunch and snacks, both of which account for 29%. Breakfast has the smallest proportion, with only 14% of sodium intake.
A similar pattern can be seen in saturated fat consumption. Dinner again makes up the highest percentage, reaching 37%, whereas lunch contributes 26% and snacks account for 21%. Breakfast is the least significant source, at 16%.
However, the pattern for added sugar is slightly different. Snacks contain by far the highest proportion, making up 42% of total added sugar intake. Dinner follows with 23%, while lunch and breakfast account for 19% and 16%, respectively.
Overall, the data suggests that evening meals are the main source of sodium and saturated fat, whereas sugary foods are consumed mostly as snacks.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses the task requirements by summarizing the main features of the three charts. You have successfully identified the key trends, such as dinner being the primary source of sodium and saturated fat, and snacks being the main source of added sugar. Comparisons are made effectively throughout the report, and the data is accurately represented. The overview is clear and provides a concise summary of the most significant findings, which is essential for a high band score. All parts of the prompt are covered well, and the information is logically selected to highlight the most important differences and similarities between the nutrient categories.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the data, which makes the information easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Looking first at', 'A similar pattern', and 'However' are used effectively to link ideas and transition between different sections of the report. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a summary. The flow of information is smooth, and the referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader can easily track the comparisons being made between the different meals and nutrients.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'illustrate the average proportions', 'accounts for the highest intake', and 'least significant source' are used accurately. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to the clarity of the report. While the range is sufficient, incorporating a few more sophisticated or varied synonyms for 'highest' or 'lowest' could elevate the response further. There are no spelling errors, and the word choice is consistently natural and appropriate for the context of describing statistical data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, effectively. For example, the use of participial phrases and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'followed by lunch and snacks, both of which account for 29%') shows good control. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, which is characteristic of a high-band performance.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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