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 charts depict the average percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in the USA.
Overall, it is clear that dinner contains significantly these types of nutrients. In contrast, these gradients are less likely to be part of the breakfast.. However, they are average use in the lunch and snack.
Dinner largely contain sodium, which accounts as 43%. While lunch is getting 29% of the sodium . However, the breakfast and snack contain similar amount of sodium , which account for 14%, respectively. In addition, 37% dinner is covered with the saturated fat. While lunch contains 26% of this nutrient. 21% saturated fat in the snack and only 16% in the breakfast.
In the snack, added sugars are most prominent , accounting for 42%. Dinner is containing 23% of this gradient. While, lunch and breakfast are holding 19% and 16% of the added sugar.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all three nutrients and compares them across the four meal categories. However, the report is slightly under the minimum word count, which impacts the overall development of the task. While the main features are identified, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a cohesive synthesis of the data. The overview is present but could be more effectively integrated. Additionally, there are minor inaccuracies in data reporting, such as the claim that breakfast and snacks contain similar amounts of sodium, which is not fully supported by the visual data provided. To improve, ensure all data points are accurately transcribed and expand on the comparisons to meet the length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, the transition 'However, they are average use in the lunch and snack' is grammatically awkward and does not clearly link to the previous sentence. The use of 'While' and 'In addition' is repetitive and sometimes used to start sentences that are not grammatically complete. The progression of ideas is present but feels disjointed due to the short, choppy sentence structure. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they are used to connect ideas logically rather than just starting new sentences would raise this score.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several instances of incorrect word choice, such as 'gradients' instead of 'nutrients' or 'proportions', and 'accounts as 43%' instead of 'accounts for 43%'. The phrase 'dinner is covered with the saturated fat' is unnatural. The range of vocabulary is limited, relying heavily on simple descriptors. To achieve a higher band, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to data description, such as 'constitute', 'comprise', 'proportion', or 'significant majority', and ensure that collocations are used correctly to convey meaning more naturally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Examples include 'dinner contains significantly these types of nutrients' (missing preposition/adverb placement), 'Dinner largely contain' (subject-verb agreement error), and 'Dinner is containing' (incorrect tense usage). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary periods and spacing issues, such as 'sodium .'. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct tense usage for describing charts would be highly beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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