Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-14
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 bars chart show the percentage of three types of nutrients in typical meals, if eaten too much; it gives several negative consequences.
Overall, dinner contains the largest proportion of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks contain the highest percentage of added sugar. In contrast, breakfast contributes the smallest propotion of all three nutrients.
Regarding sodium, dinner is the main source, representing 43% of the total intake. Lunch accounts around 29%, while breakfast and snacks contain only 14%. However, in saturated fat, dinner has the highest proportion, at 37%, followed by lunch at 26%. Snacks contribute 21%, while breakfast has the lowest figure, at 16%. Furthermore, according to added sugar, snacks contains the highest propotion, at 42%, subsequently dinner, around 23%. However, only 19% presents in lunch; whereas the least amount accounts in a breakfast, at approximately 16%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response makes a clear attempt to summarise the main features of the charts regarding the average percentages of sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars in typical US meals. An overview is successfully provided, stating that dinner contains the largest proportion of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks have the most added sugar. Key figures are selected and reported, such as dinner representing 43% of sodium and snacks containing 42% of added sugar. However, the response falls short of the 150-word minimum, containing only 138 words. Because the length requirement is not met, a penalty must be applied, pulling the overall score for this criterion down to a 5.5.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is structured into three clear paragraphs, including an introduction, an overall summary, and a body paragraph detailing the data. Logical organisation is visible, and the writer employs cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In contrast', 'Regarding', and 'Furthermore' to link ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate general trends from specific data points. However, referencing and transitions in the final paragraph become slightly repetitive and mechanical, such as the repeated use of 'However' and 'whereas'. Overall, the progression of ideas is fairly clear, justifying a band 6.5 for coherence and cohesion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing statistical charts, using terms like 'proportion', 'intake', 'percentage', and 'source'. There are a few spelling and word-form errors, such as 'bars chart' instead of 'bar chart' or 'the bar chart', and 'propotion' instead of 'proportion'. Additionally, phrasing such as 'according to added sugar' is unnatural; 'in terms of added sugar' or 'regarding added sugar' would be more appropriate. Despite these minor inaccuracies, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning without impeding communication, earning a band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as using subordinate clauses ('whereas snacks contain the highest percentage'). Control over grammar is generally acceptable, though some errors are present. For example, the opening sentence contains a comma splice and misuse of a conditional clause: 'The bars chart show the percentage of three types of nutrients in typical meals, if eaten too much; it gives several negative consequences.' Furthermore, preposition and article omissions occur, such as 'accounts around 29%' (missing 'for') and 'accounts in a breakfast' (awkward phrasing). These errors occasionally cause mild difficulty for the reader, placing this criterion at a band 5.5.
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.