Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The chart depict the average percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in the USA.

Overall , it is clear that these nutirents are mostly taken in dinner. In contrast, there are less likely to be part of breakfast. While there are average use of these nutrient in the lunch time.

Sodium used 43% in dinner and 29% in the lunch time. However, breakkfast and snack contain the same level of sodium which is 14% .In saturated fat, It significantly used in dinner account as 37%. It is less likely in breakfast contain only 16% . While in lunch and snack , it contains 26% and 21% .

Added sugar are mostly accounted in snack which is 42%. In breakfast, it used only16 % similar to other nutrients. While on the lunch, it containing 19% . Similarly, At dinner added sugar accounted as 23%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response provides an overview and selects key features, such as the high levels of nutrients in dinner and the peak of added sugar in snacks. However, the response is slightly under the 150-word minimum, which impacts the overall development. While the main features are identified, the comparison between categories could be more analytical. The data is generally accurate, but the lack of sufficient length prevents a more comprehensive summary of the trends. To improve, ensure you expand on the comparisons between the meal types to meet the word count requirement and provide a more detailed analysis of the data provided in the charts.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally inaccurate, such as 'While in lunch and snack, it contains 26% and 21%.' The transition between ideas is sometimes abrupt, and the referencing is not always clear. For example, the use of 'It' in 'It is less likely in breakfast' is ambiguous. Improving the flow between sentences using a wider range of linking words would enhance the coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There are several spelling errors, such as 'nutirents' and 'breakkfast', and some awkward phrasing like 'Sodium used 43% in dinner'. The range of vocabulary is limited, relying on basic verbs like 'used' or 'contain'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise reporting verbs and nouns related to data description, such as 'accounted for', 'constituted', or 'comprised', and ensure careful proofreading to eliminate spelling mistakes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The chart depict', 'Added sugar are') and incorrect preposition usage ('on the lunch'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focusing on basic sentence construction and subject-verb agreement will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

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

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