Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The three pie charts illustrate the average percentages of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar in four typical meals consumed in the USA.
Overall, dinner contains the highest proportion of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks have the largest percentage of added sugar. In contrast, breakfast has the lowest or nearly lowest figures for all three nutrients.
Looking first at sodium, dinner accounts for the highest percentage, at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. Breakfast and snacks have the same proportion, with 14% each. A similar pattern can be seen for saturated fat. Dinner again has the largest share, at 37%, while lunch represents 26%. Snacks account for 21%, and breakfast has the lowest figure, at 16%.
Regarding added sugar, however, the pattern is different. Snacks make up the largest proportion, at 42%, which is almost twice the figure for dinner, at 23%. Lunch accounts for 19%, while breakfast has the smallest percentage, at 16%.
In conclusion, dinner is the main source of sodium and saturated fat among the four meals, whereas snacks contain the highest proportion of added sugar. Breakfast consistently has relatively low percentages of these nutrients.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully satisfies the requirements of Task 1 by providing a clear and comprehensive overview of the three pie charts detailing sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar in typical US meals. The introduction accurately states what the charts show, and the overview captures the most salient trends, noting that dinner dominates in sodium and saturated fat while snacks lead in added sugar. Body paragraphs successfully select and report key data points, such as dinner accounting for 43% of sodium and snacks making up 42% of added sugar, while making relevant comparisons between the four meal types. All parts of the prompt are well covered without any significant omissions.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
Ideas are logically sequenced with a clear progression from an overview into specific details for each nutrient. The essay is appropriately structured into five paragraphs, including a clear introduction and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In contrast', 'Looking first at', 'A similar pattern', and 'Regarding added sugar, however' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the data. Referencing and substitution are handled smoothly, ensuring that relationships between data points are clear and easy to follow throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to data description. Terms such as 'proportion', 'account for', 'represent', 'share', and 'pattern' are used accurately. Less common phrasings like 'largest proportion', 'almost twice the figure', and 'consistently has relatively low percentages' show good control of collocation and style. Word choices are precise, and spelling is entirely accurate, supporting smooth communication without any noticeable lexical strain.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response exhibits a strong control of grammatical structures, successfully blending simple and complex sentences. The writer uses subordinate clauses and participial structures effectively, as seen in 'dinner accounts for the highest percentage, at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Only occasional, minor phrasing slips might occur, but grammar and syntax remain highly accurate and never impede the reader's understanding.
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