Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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

IELTS Writing

Student answer (Band 5.0)

The pie chart shows information about percentages in typical meals of three types of nutrients. After analyzing the pie chart it can be seen clearly that three types of nutrients sodium, saturated fat and added sugar. first nutrients is sodium highest is dinner 43% and the second highest is lunch 29% and the third highest is snack 14% and the breakfast is 14% snack and breakfast is same 14%. and the second nutrients saturated fat highest fat is dinner 37% and the second highest is lunch 26% and the third highest is snack 21% and the least is breakfast 16%. Furthermore, third nutrients is added sugar highest sugar is snack 42% and the second highest is dinner 23% and the third highest is lunch 19% and the least is breakfast 16%. In, conclusion, the chart shows that percentages in typical meals of three types of nutrients consumed in the USA.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.0
Coherence and Cohesion5.0
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses the task by identifying the three nutrients and their distribution across meals. However, the report is essentially a list of data points rather than a summary of main features or trends. While you have included the figures, you have not made meaningful comparisons or highlighted significant differences, such as the fact that dinner is the primary source for two nutrients while snacks dominate for added sugar. The overview is missing, as the concluding sentence simply repeats the prompt rather than synthesizing the data. To improve, focus on grouping information and identifying key patterns rather than listing every percentage.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response lacks logical flow and paragraphing. The text is presented as a series of disjointed sentences, and the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'the second highest is', 'the third highest is'). There is a lack of transition between the different nutrients, making the report feel like a list rather than a cohesive essay. To improve, use linking words such as 'In contrast,' 'Similarly,' or 'Regarding,' and organize your data into clear paragraphs based on the nutrients or meal types to guide the reader through the information.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is very limited and repetitive. You rely heavily on basic phrases like 'highest is' and 'the second highest is' throughout the text. There is no attempt to use synonyms or more sophisticated vocabulary to describe the data, such as 'predominant,' 'account for,' 'constitute,' or 'minimal.' The lack of variety in your word choice makes the report monotonous and prevents you from achieving a higher band score. Try to incorporate a wider range of verbs and adjectives to describe the proportions and trends shown in the charts.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The grammar is significantly flawed, with frequent errors in sentence structure and punctuation. Many sentences are run-on or lack proper verbs, such as 'first nutrients is sodium highest is dinner 43%'. There is a lack of articles and inconsistent capitalization throughout the response. You rely almost exclusively on simple sentence structures, which limits your ability to demonstrate grammatical range. To improve, focus on writing complete, grammatically correct sentences with proper subject-verb agreement and punctuation. Avoid stringing multiple clauses together without appropriate conjunctions or full stops.

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

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