Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)
The pie charts compare the average percentages of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar consumed across four meal occasions—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks—in typical American diets.
Overall, dinner was the largest contributor to both sodium and saturated fat intake, whereas snacks were the dominant source of added sugar. Breakfast, by contrast, consistently accounted for the smallest or near-smallest share across all three nutrients.
Looking at sodium first, dinner accounted for the largest proportion at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. Breakfast and snacks contributed equally, each making up 14% of daily sodium intake.
A similar pattern emerges for saturated fat, with dinner again representing the highest share, at 37%, followed by lunch at 26%. However, snacks accounted for a notably larger proportion of saturated fat (21%) than they did of sodium, while breakfast contributed the smallest share, at 16%.
The distribution of added sugar differs markedly from the other two nutrients. Snacks were by far the largest contributor, at 42%, nearly matching the combined share of breakfast and lunch. Dinner accounted for 23% of added sugar intake, while lunch and breakfast made up 19% and 16% respectively—both considerably lower than their contributions to sodium and saturated fat.
In summary, while dinner drives sodium and saturated fat consumption, snacking is the primary source of added sugar, highlighting a distinct dietary pattern for sugar intake compared to the other two nutrients.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response is excellent. You have fully addressed all parts of the task by identifying the main features and making relevant comparisons across the three nutrient categories. Your overview effectively highlights the key differences, such as dinner being the primary source for sodium and saturated fat, while snacks dominate added sugar intake. The data is accurately reported, and the comparisons are logical and well-supported by the figures provided. You have successfully synthesized the information rather than simply listing data points, which demonstrates a high level of analytical skill.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an introduction and overview to detailed analysis of the nutrients. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'by contrast', 'a similar pattern emerges', and 'while', which help the reader follow your argument smoothly. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the different nutrients is seamless. The information is presented in a way that is easy to follow and logically structured throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'dominant source', 'accounted for', 'differs markedly', and 'distinct dietary pattern' demonstrate a sophisticated command of language. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also varied, avoiding unnecessary repetition. You have used topic-specific terminology correctly, and there are no errors in word choice or collocation. The language is highly appropriate for an academic report, showing a high level of lexical flexibility.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have used complex sentences effectively, such as 'Overall, dinner was the largest contributor to both sodium and saturated fat intake, whereas snacks were the dominant source of added sugar.' Punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity, and there are no noticeable grammatical errors. The control over sentence structure is consistent throughout, and the writing is error-free, which is indicative of a high level of grammatical competence.
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