Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-26
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 6.5)
The three pie charts illustrate the average proportions of nutrients consumed in three different meals in the USA.
Overall, dinner accounted for the highest proportions of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks contained the largest percentage of added sugar. In contrast, breakfast generally contributes the smallest percentages of these three nutrients.
An analysis of the chart reveals that dinner accounted for the highest proportions of sodium and saturated fat, at 43% and 37%, respectively, and it recorded 23% of added sugar. In contrast, snacks recorded the largest proportion of added sugar at 42%, whereas snacks accounted for 14% and 21%, respectively.
From the chart, it is evident that lunch accounted for 29% and 26% of sodium and saturated fat, respectively, while it recorded a considerable percentage of added sugar at 19%. Moreover, breakfast contributed relatively small proportions of all three nutrients, accounting for 14% of sodium and 16% of both saturated fat and added sugar.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response successfully identifies the main features of the charts. You have provided a clear overview and supported the key points with relevant data. However, there is a significant error in the second paragraph where you state 'snacks accounted for 14% and 21%, respectively' without specifying which nutrients these figures refer to, making the data unclear. To reach a higher band, ensure that every figure mentioned is explicitly linked to the correct category. The comparison between meals is generally well-handled, but more precise grouping of the data would improve the clarity of the report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Moreover', and 'From the chart' to guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the data. However, the cohesion is slightly mechanical at times, and the lack of clarity regarding the specific nutrients for the snack percentages in the second paragraph disrupts the flow of information. Improving the precision of your referencing would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportions', 'nutrients', 'accounted for', and 'contributed'. The language is generally accurate and appropriate for a report on statistical data. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the variety and sophistication required for higher bands. To improve, try to incorporate more varied reporting verbs or synonyms for 'percentage' and 'recorded' to avoid repetition and add precision to your descriptions.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Dinner accounted for the highest proportions... while snacks contained...'. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is used correctly. There are no major errors that impede communication. However, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. To achieve a higher score, you could experiment with more varied sentence patterns, such as using participle clauses or more sophisticated subordinating conjunctions to link your data points more fluidly.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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