Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
The three pie charts illustrate the percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in the typical meals consumed in America. They represent different percentages consumed through Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks.
Overall, Dinner is the largest source of both saturated fat and sodium intake, while snacks contribute to the added sugar consumption. Breakfast acconts for the smallest portion across all three.
Dinner makes up the largest portion of the total intake. It is responsible for 43% of sodium and 37% of saturated fat. Lunch is the second largest contributor with 29% of sodium intake and 26% of saturated fat. For sodium and saturated fats Snacks and Breakfast have relatively low at 14%. Snacks are the largest source of added sugars making up 42% of the total, while breakfast is the least of the contributors of added sugars with just 16%.
On the other hand, Breakfast has the least amount of nutrients in all three and Dinner has the largest contribution. Snacks mainly contribute to added sugars.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response successfully covers all parts of the prompt by summarising the main features of the three pie charts regarding sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars in typical US meals. An appropriate overview is provided, highlighting that dinner is the main source of sodium and saturated fat while snacks dominate added sugar intake. Key data points are accurately reported, such as dinner accounting for 43% of sodium and snacks making up 42% of added sugars. Comparisons are made effectively between the different meal times. The student addresses all requirements of Task 1 in a clear and well-structured manner, meeting the standards for a Band 7.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The response is divided into logical paragraphs, starting with an introduction, moving to an overview, detailing specific data, and concluding with a brief summary sentence. Cohesive devices and referencing are used adequately to connect ideas, such as 'Overall', 'On the other hand', and 'making up'. However, paragraphing could be slightly tighter, as the final concluding sentence feels somewhat repetitive given that the overall trend was already established in the second paragraph. Nevertheless, the progression of information remains easy to follow, supporting a Band 6.5 score.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary used is generally adequate and appropriate for the task, successfully conveying data-related concepts such as 'percentages', 'consumption', 'intake', and 'contributor'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary like 'proportion' and 'dominant' (implied through context). However, there is a spelling error in the second paragraph ('acconts' instead of 'accounts') and a slight awkwardness in phrasing such as 'relatively low at 14%'. The range is sufficient for flexibility and precision, but occasional errors prevent it from reaching a higher band, placing it firmly at a Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and compound sentences effectively (e.g., 'Snacks are the largest source of added sugars making up 42% of the total'). There are several grammatical slips and punctuation issues, such as missing words or awkward prepositions ('For sodium and saturated fats Snacks and Breakfast have relatively low at 14%') and a double space in the text. Despite these errors, meaning is rarely impeded, and the majority of basic sentences are accurate. This performance aligns well with the Band 6.0 descriptors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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