Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · 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 4.5)

The pie chart represents the per person percentages of sodium, saturated fat and sugar in the USA, which may be harmful to health if it eaten in excess.

Overall, in the sodium dinner have been made the most contribution of 43% while snack and breakfast were equal almost 14%. In the saturated fat dinner have been also main component with 37% and in the added sugar snack has largest part with 42%.

In the sodium dinner have been made 43% contribution and lunch with 29% while snack and breakfast are the same with 14%. In the saturated fat dinner have been almost more than third and lunch with 26% and breakfast has the lowset

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the response. While you have identified some main features, the analysis is incomplete and repetitive. For instance, you describe the sodium data twice using almost identical phrasing, which does not add value. To improve, ensure you cover all three charts comprehensively and provide a clear overview that synthesizes the data rather than simply listing percentages. The lack of sufficient length and the failure to complete the analysis of all categories (e.g., missing data for saturated fat breakfast and lunch) result in a low score for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organized into short paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is hindered by repetitive sentence structures and a lack of cohesive devices. Phrases like 'In the sodium dinner have been made' are grammatically awkward and impede the flow of information. There is little use of linking words to connect the data points logically. To improve, use transition signals such as 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' or 'Regarding the...' to guide the reader through the comparisons. The current structure feels mechanical and lacks the logical flow required for higher bands.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. You rely heavily on basic verbs like 'have been' and 'made', and there is a lack of variety in describing data trends. For example, 'largest part' and 'main component' are used, but the range is insufficient to demonstrate flexibility. There are also errors in word choice, such as 'per person percentages' and 'lowset' (spelling error). To improve, incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'account for,' 'constitute,' 'predominate,' or 'a significant proportion.'

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that often impede clarity. Examples include 'if it eaten in excess' (passive voice error), 'in the sodium dinner have been made the most contribution' (incorrect syntax), and 'breakfast has the lowset' (incomplete sentence). There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the simple sentences used are often flawed. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice when describing data. You should also aim to vary your sentence structure by combining simple ideas into more complex, accurate sentences.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.