Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-11

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 pie charts represents the proportions in lunch, breakfast, dinner and snacks of three kinds of nutrients leads to the problem of obesity if intake in large quantity in the United State of America.

Sodium contains same percentage in breakfast and snack which is 14%. In addition, 29% lunch provides sodium. Also, dinner contains greater amount of sodium which is 43%.

Besides of it, saturated fat and sugar is in constant range in breakfast. Additionally, snacks, dinner and lunch contains 21%, 37% and 26% fat respectively.

Moving forward, snack provides sugar near a half. Instead of it, lunch and dinner contains approximately same proportion.

Consequently, breakfast is healthy diet because sodium, fat and sugar is consumed in less amount in America.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the response. While the main features are identified, the analysis is superficial. The report lacks a clear overview, and the comparisons are somewhat mechanical. For instance, the statement 'breakfast is healthy diet' is an over-generalisation not fully supported by the data provided. To improve, you must ensure you reach the word count by providing a more detailed analysis of the data, including a clear introductory overview and more nuanced comparisons between the three nutrient categories across all meal types.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical, such as the frequent use of 'Additionally' and 'Also'. The logical progression between sentences is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing, such as 'Instead of it' when referring to data comparisons. To achieve a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph flows logically into the next, creating a more cohesive narrative rather than a list of data points.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic. There are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'constant range' and 'leads to the problem of obesity if intake in large quantity'. The phrasing 'snack provides sugar near a half' is also imprecise. To improve, you should aim to use more precise terminology for describing data trends, such as 'account for', 'constitute', or 'a significant proportion'. Expanding your range of vocabulary to include more academic collocations will help you convey information with greater precision and sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There are several grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'The pie charts represents' (subject-verb agreement), 'in the United State of America' (missing 's'), and 'sodium, fat and sugar is consumed' (subject-verb agreement). The sentence structures are relatively simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Incorporating more complex structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice, would also demonstrate a better command of English grammar.

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

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