Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-02
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 circular chart depicts the information about the average percentages of three types of nutrients consumed in four different meals by USA people . The data has been calibrated into percentage .
Overall , it is crystal clear that largest value recorded in consuming sodium during dinner .However snacks and breakfast show similar trend in consuming sodium.
At a glance , the highest value carried by dinner in consuming the sodium as 43% by USA residents . Which followed by saturated fat in dinner as 37% . While least value recorded by added sugar 23% people was consumed in during dinner . Where as in lunch show moderately difference about 3% in sodium and saturated fat and 19% added sugar consumed by citizens of USA .
Moving ahead , in snacks added sugar contribute the largest percentage in snacks as 42 % , 21% in saturated fat , 14 % in sodium contribute in snacks . Where as sodium contribute 14% in breakfast , while in saturated fat and added sugar show similar trend as 16% 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 | 5.0 |
| 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 charts. However, the presentation of data is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While you mention the highest value for sodium at dinner, the comparison between the different nutrients across the four meals is not fully developed. Some data points are presented in a list-like fashion rather than being synthesised into a coherent summary. To improve, focus on grouping the data more effectively—for example, by highlighting which nutrient is most prevalent in which meal—rather than simply listing percentages for each category.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'However' and 'Moving ahead', but they are sometimes applied mechanically or incorrectly (e.g., 'At a glance' is used to introduce specific data rather than a summary). The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the four meals. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each sentence flows naturally from the previous one will significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. You frequently use the word 'consume' or 'consuming' and 'contribute', which limits the sophistication of your writing. There are also some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'data has been calibrated into percentage' and 'moderately difference'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a wider range of vocabulary to describe trends and comparisons, such as 'account for', 'predominate', or 'a marginal difference', and ensure that your word choices are contextually appropriate.
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. Issues include missing articles (e.g., 'in consuming sodium'), incorrect preposition usage ('in during dinner'), and subject-verb agreement errors (e.g., 'lunch show moderately difference'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the placement of commas and periods. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for small grammatical slips will help improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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