Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-20
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 three unhealthy nutrients—sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar—consumed across four daily meals in the USA.
Overall, dinner is responsible for the highest intake of both sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks account for the largest proportion of consumed added sugar. In contrast, breakfast consistently contributes the lowest percentages to all three nutrients.
Regarding sodium and saturated fat, dinner is the primary source, providing 43% of total sodium and 37% of saturated fat. Lunch represents the second largest contributor, making up 29% of sodium and 26% of saturated fat. Meanwhile, breakfast accounts for the smallest share of sodium at 14%, while snacks contribute 21% of saturated fat.
In terms of added sugar, the pattern differs significantly. Snacks comprise the highest share at 42%, followed by dinner at 23% and lunch at 19%. Breakfast generates the smallest proportion of added sugar, standing at 16%.
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 has successfully covered all parts of the task by selecting and reporting the main features of the three pie charts. A clear overview is presented in the second paragraph, capturing the most striking trends, such as dinner being the highest for sodium and saturated fat, and snacks leading in added sugar. Key data points are accurately cited and compared, including specific figures such as 43% for sodium at dinner and 42% for snacks regarding added sugar. The response is fully grounded in the provided visual data with no misinterpretations or invented figures. The information is well-selected to give a comprehensive summary without unnecessary listing of every minor data point. This meets all requirements for a high band level in Task Achievement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The text is logically organized with a clear overall progression. The introduction effectively paraphrases the prompt, followed by a concise and well-constructed overview paragraph. Body paragraphs are logically divided into group comparisons, with the first body paragraph addressing sodium and saturated fat together, and the final paragraph dedicated to added sugar. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In contrast', 'Regarding', and 'Meanwhile' are used appropriately and naturally to guide the reader through the data comparisons. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively to structure the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic report. Phrases such as 'illustrate the average proportions', 'primary source', 'second largest contributor', and 'pattern differs significantly' show strong lexical control. Less common vocabulary items are used accurately and with good collocation awareness (e.g., 'consistently contributes', 'comprise the highest share'). Word choices are precise, and there are no spelling or word-choice errors, allowing the message to be communicated with complete clarity and fluency.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The writing exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures used accurately and flexibly. The student successfully incorporates subordinate clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'providing 43% of total sodium', 'while snacks contribute 21% of saturated fat'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and grammatical control is maintained throughout the response. Punctuation is accurate, and the syntactic variety supports the smooth flow of information without any impediments to communication.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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