Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-15
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 8.5)
The three pie charts illustrate the average proportions of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar contained in typical meals consumed in the USA.
Overall, dinner accounts for the largest proportion of sodium and saturated fat consumption, whereas snacks make up the highest percentage of added sugar intake. Breakfast consistently represents the smallest share of all three nutrients.
Looking first at sodium and saturated fat, dinner accounted for the largest proportions of both nutrients, at 43% and 37% respectively. Lunch was the second-largest contributor, making up 29% of sodium and 26% of saturated fat. In contrast, breakfast represented the smallest shares, at 14% for sodium and 16% for saturated fat. Snacks accounted for 14% of sodium consumption, while their contribution to saturated fat was slightly higher, at 21%.
A different pattern can be seen in the consumption of added sugar. Snacks made up the largest proportion, at 42%, which was almost twice the figure for dinner, at 23%. Lunch accounted for 19% of added sugar intake, while breakfast had the lowest percentage, at 16%. Notably, breakfast had the same proportion of added sugar and saturated fat, whereas snacks showed a much higher contribution to added sugar than to either sodium or saturated fat.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully satisfies the requirements of Academic Task 1. The student provides a clear and accurate summary of the visual data, selecting and reporting the main features of all three pie charts. An effective overview is included, highlighting that dinner accounts for the highest proportions of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks dominate added sugar intake, and breakfast consistently represents the smallest share. The body paragraphs effectively compare the categories with accurate figures matching the source data (e.g., 43% for dinner sodium, 42% for snack added sugar). There are no data misinterpretations or omissions, resulting in a well-developed and fully supported response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
Cohesion and coherence are managed to a very high standard. The response is logically structured, beginning with a clear introductory sentence, followed by an overarching summary paragraph, and then detailed body paragraphs that logically group the data by nutrient type. Cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'Overall', 'Looking first at', 'In contrast', and 'A different pattern' are used naturally and appropriately without being obtrusive. Paragraphing is logical and effectively separates the introduction, overview, and specific details, ensuring a smooth and effortless reading progression.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Terms such as 'proportion', 'consumption', 'intake', 'contributor', and 'respectively' are used accurately and with good control. Collocations are natural, and phrases like 'accounts for the largest proportion' and 'significantly higher' reflect strong lexical control. There are no spelling errors or awkward word choices, allowing the message to be communicated with precision and ease.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures used accurately and flexibly. Examples include participial phrases ('making up 29% of sodium') and contrasting clauses ('whereas snacks make up the highest percentage'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, with excellent punctuation and control over subordinate clauses. Grammatical control is consistently high from start to finish, reflecting advanced proficiency.
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