Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-07

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 pie charts illustrate the average proportions in four typical meals: snack, dinner, breakfast, and lunch. There are three types of nutrients, all of which may be harmful to your health if consumed in excess in the USA.

Overall, the highest average percentage of sodium and saturated fat eaten too much is at dinner time, whereas in the added sugar category, people consumed it at snack time.

In the USA, Americans consume a high level of sodium at dinner, about 43%, and at lunch, about 29%, whereas saturated fat is 37% at dinner and 26% at lunch. Meanwhile, added sugar in the meals was consumed at snack time (42%) and subsequently at dinner time (23%).

At snack and breakfast time, sodium intake was relatively stable (14%), whereas saturated fat intake was slightly higher at snack (21%) than at breakfast (16%). Americans add sugar slightly less to their meals at breakfast (16%) than at lunch (19%).

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the three nutrients and the four meal types. You have successfully highlighted the main features, such as the dominance of dinner for sodium and saturated fat, and snacks for added sugar. However, the analysis is somewhat descriptive rather than analytical. For instance, you list percentages without fully synthesising the data to draw deeper comparisons between the categories. To reach a higher band, ensure you group the data more effectively to highlight trends rather than just listing figures. The overview is clear, but the supporting details could be more tightly integrated to show a stronger grasp of the overall patterns.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'meanwhile', and 'subsequently' to link ideas. However, the transition between the second and third paragraphs is slightly abrupt. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the flow could be improved by using more varied linking phrases to connect the specific data points to the broader trends. Referencing is generally clear, though some sentences feel like a list of statistics rather than a cohesive narrative. Improving the variety of cohesive devices would enhance the overall flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportions', 'consumed in excess', and 'intake'. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'consume' and 'eaten'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe data trends, such as 'account for', 'constitute', or 'predominate'. While your word choice is generally accurate and does not impede communication, it lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for higher bands. Expanding your repertoire of synonyms for 'high' and 'low' would also add variety to your descriptions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'whereas' to create contrast. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'people consumed it at snack time' (which is slightly awkward in context) and 'Americans add sugar slightly less to their meals'. The sentence structure is generally sound, and errors do not impede meaning. To achieve a higher score, aim for more complex sentence forms and ensure greater precision in your phrasing. Your control of punctuation is good, and the majority of your sentences are clear and error-free.

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

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