Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-31
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)
There is the comparision among 3 different types of nutrients i.e. sodium, saturated fat and added sugar that has been consumed in typical meals by the people of the USA. If consumed too much, It can create imbalance in the body. The type of meals are snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner which constitutes these 3 types of nutrients.
On sodium prevalence, there is 14% ,14%, 29% and 43% during snack, breakfast, lunch and dinner respectively. On Saturated fat prevalence, there is 21%, 16%, 26% and 17% during snack, breakfast, lunch and dinner respectively. Similarly, in case of Added Sugar, there is 42%, 16%, 19% and 23% during snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner respectively.
There is seen sodium and saturated fat is mostly consumed during dinner whereas added sugar is during snacks time. Also saturated fat and added sugar is consumed least during breakfast and sodium is taken least during snack and breakfast time.
In conclusion, USA people mostly consume these nutrients during dinner time which constitutes to their unhealthy lifestyle.
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 all parts of the task by identifying the three nutrients and their distribution across four meal types. However, the analysis is largely a list of data points rather than a synthesis of the main features. For example, the second paragraph simply lists percentages without grouping them effectively to highlight trends. While the overview in the final paragraph attempts to summarize, it is somewhat simplistic. To reach a higher band, you should focus on identifying significant trends, such as the high sodium content at dinner or the peak of added sugar at snack time, rather than listing every individual figure.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'On sodium prevalence' and 'Similarly, in case of' are used to transition between sentences, but they feel a bit forced. Additionally, the referencing is sometimes unclear; for instance, 'There is seen sodium and saturated fat is mostly consumed' is grammatically awkward and disrupts the flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between the data points would enhance the overall coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. You rely heavily on basic terms like 'consumed', 'types', and 'prevalence'. While these words are accurate, they are used repeatedly. There is an attempt to use some topic-specific vocabulary, but it is limited. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated synonyms and collocations related to data description, such as 'account for', 'constitute', 'a significant proportion', or 'fluctuate'. The current range is sufficient to convey meaning but does not demonstrate a wide or flexible vocabulary.
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. For example, 'There is the comparision among 3 different types' is grammatically incorrect, and 'which constitutes these 3 types' should be 'which constitute'. There are also issues with article usage and subject-verb agreement throughout the text. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and article placement would significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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