Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-27
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 below illustrates the average percentages of three types of nutrients present in typical meals, which can be harmful when taken in great amount.
These pie charts will describes the average percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugar present in typical meals which are widely consumed in USA. In the USA, sodium mostly use in large quantity which is forty three percent during dinner meanwhile during breakfast and snack time their average percentage are similar which is fourteen percent. In contrast, if we look at average percentage of saturated fats which is thirty seven percent they are also mostly use in dinner time besides during lunch its percentage a little bit decreases to twenty six percent.
If we talk about sugar which is mostly use in snacks in USA its average percentage is about forty two. However its percentage decline to twenty three during dinner.
Furthermore, if we make a comparison between these three nutrients use in USA then sodium is used in large quantity in their meals and then sugar present mostly in desserts meanwhile saturated fats percentage decline to thirty seven at dinner time.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying key data points for sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars across different meal times. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant trends. While the data is generally accurate, the comparison between nutrients is slightly repetitive and could be more analytical. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide a clear 'overview' paragraph that highlights the most striking differences or similarities across the three charts rather than just listing individual data points.
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 somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive (e.g., 'meanwhile', 'in contrast'). The progression of ideas is logical, but the transitions between sentences could be smoother. For instance, the final paragraph attempts a comparison but feels disconnected from the previous data descriptions. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the overall flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher levels. There is a reliance on basic verbs like 'use' and 'present', and some phrasing is unnatural, such as 'mostly use in large quantity'. The student attempts to describe trends but uses limited terminology (e.g., 'decline', 'decreases'). To improve, the student should incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'account for', 'predominate', or 'fluctuate', and focus on correct word forms and collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, particularly with subject-verb agreement ('charts below illustrates', 'charts will describes', 'sodium mostly use') and article usage. While the meaning is generally clear, these errors are noticeable and occasionally distract the reader. The sentence structures are relatively simple, and there is a lack of complex grammatical forms. To improve, the student needs to focus on basic subject-verb agreement and attempt to vary sentence structures by using more complex clauses to describe the data relationships.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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