Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The charts illustrate the average proportions of three nutrient varieties, including sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars, found in four typical meals of Americans, excessive intake of which can pose health risks.
Overall, it is clear that dinner exhibits the highest levels of sodium and saturated fat consumption, while breakfast shows the opposite trend. In addition, snacks contain the greatest percentage of added sugar among the four meals mentioned.
At a fleeting glance, dinner contains the highest average sodium and saturated fat content, making up 43% and 37% of total consumption, respectively, followed by lunch, accounting for 29% sodium and 26% saturated fat. In contrast, the figures for added sugar in these two meals are considerably lower: 23% for supper and 19% for luncheon.
Moving further, as for snacks and breakfast, the proportions of sodium consumed are the same, at 14%. In the case of saturated fat, a greater percentage is found in snacks, registering 21%, than in breakfasts, at 16%. By comparison, added sugar emerges as the most prevalent nutritional component in snacks, at 42%, while the opposite is true for breakfast with the lowest intake of added sugar and saturated fat, both accounting for 16%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main features and provided relevant comparisons between the three nutrients across the four meal types. The overview clearly highlights the key trends, such as dinner being the most significant source of sodium and saturated fat, and snacks being the primary source of added sugar. The data is accurately reported, and the comparisons are logical and well-supported by the figures provided. The response is well-structured and fully satisfies the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an introduction and overview to detailed comparisons. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'At a fleeting glance', 'In contrast', and 'Moving further' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the supporting details. The flow of information is smooth, and the referencing between the different nutrients and meals is clear throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data description task. Phrases like 'exhibits the highest levels', 'opposite trend', 'prevalent nutritional component', and 'registering 21%' show a level of sophistication. There is a clear attempt to avoid repetition by using synonyms such as 'supper' for dinner and 'luncheon' for lunch, although 'luncheon' is slightly formal for this context. The word choices are generally precise and contribute to a professional tone. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('making up 43%...', 'accounting for 29%...') and comparative clauses. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few minor errors. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over complex structures is consistent. The writing is clear and easy to follow, indicating a high level of grammatical competence.
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