Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
The given circular chart depicts information about the average percentages of three types of nutrients consumed in four different meals by USA people. The data has been calibrated into percentages.
Overall, it is crystal clear that the largest value was recorded in consuming sodium during dinner. However, snacks and breakfast show a similar trend in consuming sodium.
At a glance, the highest value was carried by dinner in consuming sodium, at 43% by USA residents, which was followed by saturated fat in dinner, at 37%. While the least value was recorded for added sugar, 23% of people consumed it during dinner. Whereas, in lunch, there was a moderate difference of about 3% in sodium and saturated fat, and 19% added sugar was consumed by citizens of the USA.
Moving ahead, in snacks, added sugar contributed the largest percentage, at 42%, followed by 21% in saturated fat and 14% in sodium. Whereas sodium contributed 14% in breakfast, while saturated fat and added sugar showed a similar trend, at 16% in breakfast.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features and making relevant comparisons. You have successfully selected the key data points for each meal type. However, the analysis could be improved by grouping the data more effectively to highlight trends rather than listing figures sequentially. For instance, comparing the dominance of added sugar in snacks versus the dominance of sodium in dinner provides a stronger overview. The overview is present but could be more analytical; instead of just stating the highest value, you could mention the overall variation across the four meal types. The data is accurately reported, and the response fulfills the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'However', 'At a glance', and 'Moving ahead' to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more balanced. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the connection between the sentences in the third paragraph could be smoother to avoid a list-like feel. Referencing is generally clear, though the repetition of 'in consuming' and 'contributed' makes the flow slightly repetitive. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'depicts', 'calibrated', and 'contributed'. There are some instances of slightly unnatural phrasing, such as 'the highest value was carried by dinner' and 'USA people' (which should be 'people in the USA' or 'US residents'). While you attempt to use varied vocabulary, some word choices are repetitive, particularly the use of 'consuming' and 'contributed'. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise collocations and avoiding repetitive sentence structures. The vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the information clearly without impeding communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'The data has been calibrated into percentages' (which is slightly awkward in this context) and 'the highest value was carried by dinner in consuming sodium'. Additionally, there are minor issues with preposition usage and article placement. However, these errors do not impede communication, and the meaning remains clear throughout. You show a good attempt at using complex structures, but further practice in ensuring subject-verb agreement and natural phrasing would enhance the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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