Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-03
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 5.0)
THE PIE CHART ILLUSTRATES THE PROPORTION OF THE AVERAGE PERCENTAGES IN TYPICAL MEALS OF THREE TYPESS OF NUTRIENTS, ALL OF MAY BE UNHEALTHY IF EATEN TOO MUCH.
OVERALL, IT IS CLEAR THAT DINNER EXPERIENCED A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN SODIUM AND SATURATED FAT IN CONTRAST, ADDED SUGAR DECLINED. WHEREAS DINNER IS HIGHEST CATEGORY WHILE BREAKFAST IS LOWEST CATEGORY IN ALL MEALS.
SODIUM , DINNER REMAINED STABLE TO AROUND 41% BY USA. LUNCH REMAINED ALMOST THE 29% IN USA WHILE BREAKFAST APPROXIMATELY 14% IN USA. SNACK REMAINED DECLINED OVERALL. IN SATURATED FAT DINNER IS HIGEST CATEGORY ATMOST 37%. LUNCH MEAL IS SMALLEST AT ROUND 26% WHILE BREAKFAST IS COVERED 16%. SNACK IS IN USA AT AROUND 21%.
ADDED SUGAR IN USA, DINNER MEAL IS THE 23%. LUNCH IS THE 19% WHILE BREAKEST AROUND THE 16% . SNACK IS THE HIGHEST CATOGORY IN ADDED SUGAR MEAL BY USA. IN CONTRAST , DINNER IS HIGHEST MEAL WHILE BREAKFAST IS LOWEST MEAL.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response addresses the task requirements by summarizing the provided charts. However, the analysis is flawed. You state that dinner experienced a 'dramatic increase' and that sodium 'remained stable', which are inaccurate interpretations of static data presented in pie charts. Furthermore, the claim that 'dinner is highest category while breakfast is lowest category in all meals' is factually incorrect based on the data (e.g., snacks are highest for added sugars). The report lacks a clear, accurate overview of the main trends. To improve, focus on accurately identifying the highest and lowest values across the categories rather than describing them as trends over time, as these charts represent a single point in time.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused, such as 'in contrast' and 'whereas', which do not always connect ideas logically. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the data for the USA. The transition between the three nutrients is abrupt, and the lack of clear signposting makes it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between meal types. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'category', 'meal', and 'highest'. There are several spelling errors, such as 'TYPESS', 'HIGEST', 'ATMOST', 'CATOGORY', and 'BREAKEST'. The word choice is often imprecise, such as using 'remained stable' or 'remained declined' to describe static data points. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a wider range of vocabulary to describe proportions and comparisons, such as 'account for', 'constitute', 'the majority', or 'a significant proportion', and ensure accurate spelling throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'dinner is highest category', and incorrect preposition usage, such as 'in USA' instead of 'in the USA'. Sentence structures are largely simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas and periods. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence structures, ensuring correct article usage, and proofreading for common errors like missing verbs or incorrect tense usage when describing data.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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