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 charts compare the amount of sodium , saturated fat and sugar which might be harmful for health if eat these ecceed in America .

In general , it is clear that the highest amount of sodium and saturated fat eat at dinner while sugar most uses in snacks .

According to the pie chart , the largest amount of sodium use in dinner and lunch around 43% and 29% respectively . It comprieses similar proportion to breakfast and snacks at 14% .

The proportion of saturat fat compries the highest at 37% in dinner while the lowest proportion in breakfast in 14% . In terms of snacks and lunch relatively similar at 21% and 26% each .

Regarding sugar , it largest amount of snacks around 42% whereas breakfast use comparatively lowest to 16% . The percentages of lunch and dinner eat 19% and 23% respectively .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying key trends such as dinner being the highest for sodium and saturated fat, and snacks for sugar. However, the response is slightly under the 150-word minimum, which impacts the score. While the main features are selected, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a more sophisticated synthesis of the data. The comparison between categories is present, but the under-length requirement prevents a higher band score. To improve, ensure all data points are clearly described and the word count is strictly met to allow for full development of the summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'According to the pie chart', 'Regarding sugar'). The progression of ideas is logical, but the transitions between sentences could be smoother. Referencing is generally clear, but the overall flow is hindered by the brevity of the sentences and the lack of varied linking words. Improving the range of cohesive devices would help the text flow more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'highest amount', 'lowest proportion', and 'similar' are used frequently. There are also errors in word choice and form, such as 'eat these ecceed' and 'saturat fat'. The student attempts to use some topic-specific vocabulary, but the range is limited. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more precise synonyms and avoid repeating the same descriptors for different data sets.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'sugar most uses in snacks' (passive voice error) and 'breakfast use comparatively lowest to 16%' (incorrect preposition and verb usage). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors in basic sentence construction prevents a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct sentence structure is essential.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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