Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-01
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 given representation demonstrates the average proportion of three nutrients in different types of meals which would be harmful if they are eaten more than enough.
To begin with dinner, it contains most amount of sodium and saturated fat at 43% and 37%, respectively. Whereas it contains 23% of added sugar. Moreover lunch, it contains 29% of sodium, 26% of saturated fat and 19% of added sugar.
Moving further to breakfast and snacks which contains same amount of sodium at 14% which is the lowest amount of sodium used among different meals. Whereas, snacks and breakfast contains 21% and 16% of saturated fat, respectively. Moreover, breakfast contains 16% of added sugar and snacks contains the most amount of added sugar at 42%.
Overall, the most amount of sodium and saturated fat is used in dinner and the least are used in breakfast. Whereas added sugar is used mostly in snacks and least used in breakfast.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features of the three nutrients across the four meal types. You have successfully selected and reported the key data points, such as dinner having the highest sodium and saturated fat, and snacks having the highest added sugar. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, listing figures rather than synthesising the information into a more cohesive analytical report. To reach a higher band, ensure you group the data more effectively to highlight significant trends or contrasts, rather than simply listing the percentages for each meal type in isolation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use basic cohesive devices like 'To begin with', 'Moreover', and 'Overall' to transition between ideas. However, the flow is occasionally repetitive, and some sentences feel disjointed. For instance, the transition between breakfast and snacks could be smoother. The use of referencing is generally clear, but the structure relies heavily on simple listing, which limits the sophistication of the progression. Improving the variety of linking words and phrases would enhance the overall coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing you to convey the necessary information clearly. You use terms like 'proportion', 'nutrients', and 'demonstrates' appropriately. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on repetitive phrasing, such as 'most amount of' and 'least amount of'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe data, such as 'the highest concentration', 'a significant proportion', or 'the lowest intake'. There are no significant spelling errors, but the lexical range is currently restricted to basic descriptive terms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical inaccuracies. For example, 'most amount of sodium' is grammatically awkward; 'the highest level of sodium' would be more accurate. You also have issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'breakfast and snacks which contains' (should be 'contain'). Additionally, there are minor errors in punctuation and preposition usage. To achieve a higher band, focus on increasing the accuracy of your complex sentences and ensuring consistent subject-verb agreement throughout the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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