Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-16
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 proportions of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar contained in typical meals consumed in the USA.
Overall, dinner accounts for the largest proportion of both sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks contain by far the highest percentage of added sugar. Breakfast, on the other hand, represents the smallest share of saturated fat and added sugar.
Looking first at sodium, dinner contributes the highest proportion, at 43%, followed by lunch, which accounts for 29%. Breakfast and snacks make up an identical 14% each. A similar pattern can be observed in the consumption of 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 only 16%.
The figures for added sugar show a noticeably different distribution. Snacks make up 42%, which is almost twice the proportion recorded for dinner (23%). Lunch accounts for a further 19%, while breakfast has the smallest share, at 16%. Therefore, unlike sodium and saturated fat, for which dinner is the main contributor, added sugar is consumed predominantly through snacks.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The student covers all parts of the task fully and accurately, providing a comprehensive summary of the three pie charts. A clear and well-formulated overview is included in the second paragraph, highlighting the main trends (dinner leading for sodium and saturated fat, while snacks dominate added sugar). Specific data points from the visual reference—such as dinner accounting for 43% of sodium and snacks making up 42% of added sugar—are cited correctly and compared effectively throughout the body paragraphs. No data is invented or misread, demonstrating a precise understanding of the visual information. The response fully satisfies the requirements of a Band 8 level.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introduction, moves to an effective overview, and then details the specific categories across well-defined paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used naturally and appropriately, as seen with phrases like 'Looking first at sodium', 'A similar pattern can be observed', and 'Therefore, unlike sodium and saturated fat'. Paragraphing is used skilfully to separate the introduction/overview from the distinct body sections covering the different nutrients. Referencing is clear and unambiguous throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a wide and appropriate vocabulary range suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Less common vocabulary and functional phrasing are employed naturally, such as 'average proportions', 'accounts for the largest proportion', 'distinct distribution', and 'consumed predominantly through'. Word choice and collocations are accurate, with only rare minor instances. The vocabulary effectively supports precise comparisons without sounding overly repetitive.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The text exhibits a wide range of sentence structures, combining complex and compound-complex forms with ease (e.g., 'while snacks contain by far the highest percentage of added sugar' and 'Therefore, unlike sodium and saturated fat, for which dinner is the main contributor...'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, showcasing a high level of grammatical control and accurate punctuation. There are no noticeable slips or awkward constructions that impede communication, fully justifying a Band 8 score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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