Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-29
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 5.0)
The provided pie chars illustrate the average percentages in typical meals of three types of nutrients like sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars.
Overall, it is evident that USA’s major meals consumption reported as sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars.
The majority of USA population consume snack as a 42% of added sugar. Moreover, dinner contain 23% of added sugar which resulted second contributor in added sugar’s pie chart. Hence, breakfast demonstrated most lowest category among these three typical meals consumption.
Sodium commonly consumed as a dinner which was 43% which prevent malnutrition of USA citizens. Additionally, snack included only 14% of sodium which was relatively declined compared to added sugars and saturated fats. Lunch illustrated 29% of sodium which was comparably accounted enormously declined meals consumpio
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the three nutrients and the three meal types, the analysis is incomplete. You have not included data for saturated fats at all, which is a major omission. Furthermore, the reporting of data is inaccurate in places (e.g., claiming sodium prevents malnutrition, which is an external opinion not supported by the charts). To improve, ensure you cover all categories presented in the visual data and provide a more balanced summary of the main features rather than listing individual percentages without clear comparative analysis.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. While you use some cohesive devices like 'Moreover' and 'Additionally', the connections between sentences are often mechanical or confusing. The final sentence is incomplete ('consumpio'), which disrupts the flow of the text. Paragraphing is present, but the content within the paragraphs lacks a clear focus, as the grouping of information seems somewhat arbitrary. To improve, ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and that you use linking words to compare data points rather than just listing them.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You rely heavily on basic terms like 'consume' and 'percentage'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'most lowest category' (a double superlative error) and 'enormously declined meals consumpio'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands. To improve, try to use a wider variety of verbs and nouns to describe trends, such as 'account for', 'constitute', 'predominate', or 'a significant proportion'. Focus on using precise terminology related to data reporting.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. Examples include 'pie chars' (spelling), 'USA’s major meals consumption reported as' (incorrect passive construction), and 'dinner contain' (subject-verb agreement error). The sentence structures are predominantly simple, and the attempt at complex structures is often faulty. Punctuation is also inconsistent, and the final sentence is cut off. To improve, focus on basic subject-verb agreement and ensure that your sentences are complete. Practice using a mix of simple and complex sentences, ensuring that your grammar remains accurate even when attempting more sophisticated structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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