Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The pie compares the percentage of meals of three kinds of nutrients which would be unhealthy to eat too much in USA.
Overall, mostly sodium and saturated fat added in dinner whereas the Added sugar in snacks in USA. The snack and breakfast at lower rate in which sodium and saturated fat are mixed however the lunch at moderate percentage.
The percentage snack and breakfast is 14% while for lunch is 29 in which sodium is added and the percentage for dinner is 43% which is higher then others. It means much sodium is added in dinner. The meals in which saturated added is 21% snack, 16% breakfast, 26% lunch and 37% dinner which is higher then other meals.
The percenatge of breakfast and lunch are 16% and 19% whereas for dinner is 23% in added sugar and snack is 42% which is higher then others meals. THses are all unhealthy if eaten too much
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the three charts representing sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar consumption across different meals in the USA. The student successfully identifies key data points, such as dinner being the highest for sodium (43%) and saturated fat (37%), and snacks being the highest for added sugar (42%). However, the overview is somewhat repetitive and disjointed, and there are minor inaccuracies in reporting figures, such as writing '29' instead of '29%' for lunch sodium. Despite these weaknesses, the overall trends are adequately presented, and comparisons are made between the meals, earning a solid Band 5.5.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay attempts a logical structure with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs detailing specific nutrients. However, the progression is hindered by choppy sentences and poor paragraphing choices. The second paragraph attempts an overview but mixes in specific details and awkward phrasing ('Overall, mostly sodium and saturated fat added in dinner whereas the Added sugar in snacks in USA'). Cohesive devices are minimal, repetitive, or inaccurate, such as the repeated use of 'which is higher then others meals'. Referencing is frequently unclear, making the flow difficult to follow at times. This corresponds to a Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is relatively basic and repetitive, relying heavily on words like 'percentage', 'meals', 'snack', 'breakfast', 'lunch', and 'dinner'. There are noticeable lexical limitations and word choice errors, such as 'saturated added' instead of 'saturated fat added' and spelling errors like 'percenatge' and 'THses'. While the vocabulary is minimally adequate to convey the basic statistical information from the charts, the lack of flexibility and precision keeps the score at Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The text displays a very limited range of grammatical structures. The student relies on simple and often faulty complex sentences, struggling with accurate clause construction. There are frequent grammatical errors, such as missing verbs ('whereas for dinner is 23% in added sugar and snack is 42%'), incorrect prepositions, and persistent spelling and punctuation issues. Comparative forms are also used inaccurately ('higher then others'). These frequent errors cause some difficulty for the reader and reflect a Band 5.0 performance.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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