Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The charts on the paper sheet show the average percentages in typical meals of three types of nutrients, all of which may be unhealthy if eaten too much.
In the first diagram there was the average percentage of sodium . In snack there are 14 % sodium . In breakfast 14 % sodium consumed in USA. In lunch 27 % sodium consumed in the USA. In dinner 43 % sodium consumed in the USA.
Now move to the next diagram it will be a saturated fat and in snack there are 23% saturated fats. In breakfast 16% saturated fats consumed in USA. In lunch 26% saturated fats consumed in the USA. In dinner 37% saturated fats consumed in the USA.
Now move to the last one diagram that will be a added sugars and in snack there are 42% added sugars. In breakfast 16% added sugars consumed in USA. In lunch 19% added sugars consumed in the USA. In dinner 23% added sugars consumed in the USA.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response addresses the task by describing the three charts provided. However, it fails to provide a clear overview or identify the main trends, which is a requirement for Band 6 and above. The report is essentially a list of data points for each category rather than a summary. While the data is accurate, the lack of synthesis and comparison (e.g., noting that dinner is the highest for all three nutrients or that snacks are highest for added sugars) limits the response to a lower band. To improve, you must group information logically and highlight the most significant features rather than listing every percentage individually.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organised into paragraphs, but the progression is mechanical and repetitive. Each paragraph follows an identical, rigid structure ('In the... there are... In... there are...'). There is a lack of cohesive devices to link ideas or show relationships between the data points. For example, instead of repeating 'In lunch... consumed in the USA' multiple times, you should use comparative language such as 'In contrast,' 'Similarly,' or 'while.' The referencing is also quite basic, making the text feel like a series of isolated sentences rather than a cohesive report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is very limited and repetitive. You rely heavily on the same phrases throughout the text, such as 'average percentage of' and 'consumed in the USA.' There is no attempt to use a wider range of vocabulary to describe trends or data, such as 'account for,' 'constitute,' 'the highest proportion,' or 'a significant amount.' To reach a higher band, you need to vary your word choice and use more precise terminology related to data description, avoiding the constant repetition of the same sentence structures and nouns.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The grammatical range is very limited, consisting almost entirely of simple sentences. There is a lack of complex structures, which are necessary for higher band scores. Additionally, there are frequent errors in article usage ('the last one diagram', 'a added sugars') and prepositional phrasing. The sentence structure is consistently 'In [meal] there are [number] [nutrient],' which is grammatically simplistic. To improve, you should practice combining sentences using relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions and pay closer attention to basic article usage and pluralisation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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