Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-12
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 4.0)
These charts show illustrates the average percentage of meals who considered three types of nutrients in USA when we extra eat any typical meals then it must be harmful for our health.
Now first we see sodium in typical meals consumed in USA. the breakfast and snacks are used 14% and lunch also use 29%.the highest rate of meals consumed in USA is used in dinner for 43%.
In saturated fat, about 16% in breakfast and 21% in snack. while lunch are around 26% and 37 % in dinner respectively.
in added sugar, breakfast same as used in saturated fat while snack reaching about 42%. lunch are about 19% and dinner were around 29%.
the chart shows the percentage of nutrients are major problems in USA. overall, I think when we eat snack is 42% by added sugar is very dangerous for our health. the highest percentage of typical meals is added sugar. The least percentage is sodium and saturated fats in USA.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.0 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5
The response attempts to cover the main features of the charts concerning sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars in typical meals in the USA. However, the data presentation is marred by significant inaccuracies in reporting the figures (for example, stating that snacks reach about 42% for saturated fat when the chart shows a different value, or confusing categories). Furthermore, the student includes a great deal of personal opinion and interpretation ('when we extra eat any typical meals then it must be harmful', 'is very dangerous for our health'), which is inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 report where an objective overview is required. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed, earning a Band 4.5.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0
The essay lacks clear logical organisation and progression. The text is divided into very short, choppy paragraphs and isolated sentences, such as 'Now first we see sodium in typical meals consumed in USA.' The use of cohesive devices is minimal and mechanical, often relying on repetitive transitional phrases ('Now first', 'In saturated fat', 'in added sugar'). Paragraphing is poorly handled, with single sentences functioning as paragraphs. Referencing is also confusing at times, making it difficult to follow the progression of ideas. This falls under the Band 4.0 descriptors.
Lexical Resource — Band 4.0
The vocabulary used is very basic and repetitive, frequently recycling words like 'meals', 'consumed', 'percentage', and 'USA'. There are noticeable word choice errors and unnatural collocations, such as 'when we extra eat' and 'breakfast same as used in saturated fat'. Spelling and word formation are also problematic ('illustrates' combined with 'show', 'snack reaching'). The lexical range is limited and minimally adequate for conveying basic information, though frequent errors cause strain for the reader, placing it at Band 4.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0
The grammatical range is extremely limited. The text consists almost entirely of simple sentences or poorly constructed complex structures containing severe errors, such as 'These charts show illustrates the average percentage of meals who considered three types of nutrients'. Subject-verb agreement is frequently violated ('lunch are', 'breakfast same as used'), and punctuation and capitalisation rules are frequently ignored (e.g., lowercase 'the' at the beginning of sentences). Frequent errors distort meaning and make comprehension difficult, corresponding to Band 4.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.