Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-28
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 chart illustrates the presence of sodium, saturated fats, and added sugar in daily meals consumed by American households.
Overall, dinner accounts for the largest proportion of sodium and saturated fats, while snacks contain the highest percentage of added sugar. Breakfast contains smallest proportion of sodium and saturated fats, added sugar are also relatively in lower quantity.
Regarding sodium dinner represents the highest percentage at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. Breakfast and snacks each accounts for 14%. For saturated fats dinner contain highest share at 37%, while lunch accounts for 26% and snacks for 21%. Breakfast has the lowest proportion at 16%.
The figures for added sugar show different pattern, snacks made the largest proportion at 42%. Dinner accounts for 23% while lunch at 29%. Breakdfast has lowest share at 16%.
Therefore, sodium and saturated fats which are mostly consumed during lunch and dinner, added sugar more present in snacks.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all parts of the task and provides a clear overview of the main trends. You successfully identified the key features, such as dinner being the primary source of sodium and saturated fats, and snacks being the main source of added sugar. The data is generally accurate, though there is a minor inconsistency in the reporting of lunch for added sugar (you stated 29%, but the chart shows 19%). To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are transcribed with absolute precision and that the overview is more distinctly separated from the supporting details.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Regarding' and 'For', to transition between ideas. However, the flow is occasionally mechanical, and some sentences feel disjointed. For example, the final sentence is a fragment rather than a full, grammatically complete summary. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject and verb would significantly enhance the overall flow and readability of your response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'consumed', and 'saturated fats' correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are minor errors in word choice and form, such as 'added sugar are also relatively in lower quantity' (should be 'is') and 'different pattern' (should be 'a different pattern'). To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'highest' or 'lowest' and ensure that your subject-verb agreement is consistent when discussing plural or singular nouns.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly regarding articles ('the' is missing before 'smallest proportion') and subject-verb agreement ('dinner contain' should be 'dinner contains'). Additionally, there are punctuation issues, such as the lack of commas after introductory phrases. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and article usage to improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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