Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The illustration depicts the average proportion in typical meals of three types of nutrients Namely - sodium, saturated fat and added sugar, all of which may be unhealthy of eaten too much.
Overall, the sodium recorded the highest percentage for dinner, whereas saturated fat and added sugar for breakfast accounted for lowest value.
Turning to the details, sodium using for eat highest percentage in dinner, which was 43%, while snack and breakfast recorded same percentage at, 14% and lunch was 29%. Moreover, saturated fat using in snack only 21%, while 37% using for dinner and breakfast and lunch recorded 16% and 26%, respectively.
Turning to the remaining details, added sugar use for snack too much, which was 42%, whereas in dinner use only 23%. Additionally, lunch was recorded 19% and breakfast almost similar figures at 16% .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main features and provided some comparisons, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a cohesive summary of the data. The under-length nature of the response means that the information is not fully developed, and some key comparisons between the nutrients are missing or underdeveloped. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview and extend your analysis of the data points to meet the length requirement, which will allow for a more thorough exploration of the trends presented 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 repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'Turning to the details', 'Turning to the remaining details'). The progression of ideas is logical, but the transitions between sentences could be more sophisticated to improve the flow. Referencing is generally clear, but the lack of variety in linking words makes the writing feel a bit disjointed. To improve, try using a wider range of cohesive devices such as 'in contrast', 'conversely', or 'a notable trend is' to connect your ideas more naturally.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision expected at higher bands. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'sodium using for eat' and 'saturated fat using in snack', which are grammatically incorrect and imprecise. The vocabulary is largely limited to the terms provided in the prompt. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to use more varied and precise vocabulary to describe trends and proportions, such as 'accounted for', 'constituted', or 'a significant proportion', and ensure that your word choices are contextually appropriate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'sodium recorded the highest percentage for dinner, whereas saturated fat and added sugar for breakfast accounted for lowest value' (missing articles) and 'added sugar use for snack too much' (incorrect verb form). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of hyphens and commas. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and ensuring that your sentence structures are grammatically sound and varied.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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