Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-30

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 7.5)

The three pie charts illustrate the average proportions of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar consumed in four different meals throughout the day. These nutrients can be unhealthy when consumed in excessive amounts.

Overall, dinner accounts for the highest consumption of sodium and saturated fat, whereas added sugar is consumed most during snacks. In contrast, breakfast generally records the lowest proportions for all three nutrients.

At breakfast, saturated fat and added sugar each account for 16 percent of intake, while sodium is slightly lower at 14 percent. In terms of sodium, people consume the same proportion during breakfast and snacks. During snacks, saturated fat accounts for 21 percent, which is considerably lower than the figure for added sugar, at 42 percent. Thus, added sugar shows a significant increase from breakfast to snacks.

At lunch, added sugar records its lowest figure at 19 percent, while sodium and saturated fat account for 29 percent and 26 percent, respectively, with the former exceeding the latter by 3 percent. During dinner, sodium reaches its highest proportion at 43 percent, followed by saturated fat at 37 percent, whereas added sugar accounts for a comparatively lower 23 percent. Therefore, sodium is the most widely consumed nutrient at dinner, while added sugar is predominant during snacks.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and successfully selected and reported key features from the charts. The comparisons are accurate and relevant, such as noting that dinner has the highest proportions of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks are highest in added sugar. The data is used correctly to support your points, and the information is logically grouped. To reach a higher band, ensure that you consistently highlight the most significant differences rather than listing every data point, as this helps to maintain a focus on the 'main features' as requested by the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an introduction and overview to specific details about breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'In terms of', 'Thus', and 'whereas' are used effectively to link ideas and create a smooth flow. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the report. The referencing is clear throughout, and the information is presented in a way that is easy for the reader to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'account for', 'records the lowest proportions', 'predominant', and 'exceeding the latter' show a level of precision and flexibility. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately to describe the data. While the range is sufficient to convey meaning clearly and precisely, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms or collocations related to data analysis could further enhance the lexical variety. Overall, the vocabulary is well-chosen and contributes to a professional tone.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'While sodium reaches its highest proportion at 43 percent, followed by saturated fat at 37 percent, whereas added sugar accounts for a comparatively lower 23 percent.' Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text.

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