Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-04
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 three pie charts compare how much sodium, saturated fat and added sugar people in the Usa typically consumes across four meals categories:
break fast, snack, lunch, Dinner.
overall, Dinner accounts for the largest share of both sodium and saturated fat intake , Whereas
snacks contribute the most added sugar
Looking at sodium first, Dinner represent the biggest proportion at 43% followed by lunch at 29% breakfast and snacks contribute equally .each according for just 14% of daily sodium intake
A broadly similar patterns emerges for saturated fat .with dinner a again the largest contributed at 39% and lunch second at 26% However , Snacks Make up a notable higher shares of saturated fat(21%) than they do of a sodium , While breakfast contribute 16%
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main features and made some comparisons, the analysis is incomplete. You have not included the data for added sugars in the body paragraphs, which is a key part of the prompt. To improve, ensure you cover all three categories of nutrients provided in the charts. The overview is present but lacks sufficient detail to fully satisfy the requirements of a Band 6 or higher. Expanding your analysis of the data and ensuring all parts of the prompt are addressed is essential for a higher score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, and there is a basic attempt at logical progression. However, the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as the awkward phrasing 'A broadly similar patterns emerges'. The paragraphing is inconsistent, and the transition between ideas feels disjointed. To improve, focus on using a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'in contrast', 'furthermore', 'consequently') to connect your sentences and ideas more fluidly. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and that the relationship between the data points is explicitly stated.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. You use terms like 'largest share', 'biggest proportion', and 'contribute' repeatedly. There are also several errors in word form and spelling, such as 'break fast' (breakfast), 'Usa' (USA), and 'contributed' instead of 'contributor'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more varied vocabulary to describe trends and proportions, such as 'constitutes', 'accounts for a significant portion', or 'the majority of'. Improving your precision and avoiding spelling errors will help demonstrate a better command of the language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation that occasionally impede readability. For example, 'each according for just 14%' should be 'each accounting for just 14%'. There are also issues with capitalization (e.g., 'Usa', 'Dinner') and punctuation, such as unnecessary periods within sentences (e.g., 'fat .with dinner a again'). To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and consistent sentence structure. Proofreading for basic punctuation and capitalization errors is a simple but effective way to improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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