Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-17

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 pie charts delineate the distribution of three types of nutrients in a typical meal, which might be unhealthy if eaten too much.

Overall, it can be seen that the consumption of Sodium and Saturated fat are noticeably higher at dinner time, while the Added sugar is the dominant at snack time. Also,consumption of all three nutrients the lowest figures accounting for by breakfast.

To commence with, Sodium and Saturated fat are considerably higher at dinner time, accounting for 43% and 37% respectively. Furthermore, consumption of sodium in lunch time at 29% compared with breakfast and snacks at 14%.

According to the second graph, distribution of Saturated fat consumption, breakfast recording 16% in comparison with snacks and lunch at 21% and 26% respectively. Thereafter, consumption of Added sugar is higher in snack time at 42%, while the lowest in breakfast at 16%. Moreover, consumption of Added suger in dinner time occupied 23% compared with lunch timing at 19%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully addresses the main features of the charts, providing an overview and making relevant comparisons. You correctly identified that sodium and saturated fat peak at dinner, whereas added sugar is highest during snack time. Breakfast is accurately noted as accounting for the lowest figures across the nutrients. However, there are minor inaccuracies in data reporting; for instance, the text mentions that the consumption of sodium at lunch is 29% compared with breakfast and snacks at 14% (which is slightly confused, as snacks are 14% and breakfast is 14%, but lunch is 29%). Overall, the task is covered adequately with clear trends reported, aligning well with a Band 6.5 or 7.0 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement with an introductory paragraph, an overview, and body paragraphs detailing the specific data. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'To commence with', 'Furthermore', and 'Thereafter' are used to structure the text, though some transitions feel slightly mechanical or forced (e.g., 'To commence with'). Paragraphing is appropriately handled, separating the introduction/overview from the body details. The logical progression is generally maintained throughout, earning a solid Band 6.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, attempting some less common lexical items such as 'delineate', 'distribution', and 'consumption'. However, there are a few awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'consumption of all three nutrients the lowest figures accounting for by breakfast' and 'Added suger' (spelling error). Phrases like 'dinner timing' instead of 'dinner time' also show minor inaccuracies. Despite these flaws, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning clearly, fitting the Band 6.0 profile.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at relative clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'accounting for 43% and 37% respectively'). However, there are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as missing verbs ('while the lowest in breakfast at 16%'), missing prepositions, and a spelling slip ('suger'). While these errors do not severely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent the writing from reaching Band 7.0. Control of grammar is generally at a Band 6.0 level.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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