Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-21
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 5.5)
The multiple pie charts delineate average percentsges of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in the USA.
Overall, it is quite surprising that all three nutrients are used almost in same amount in breakfast. Meanwhile, sodium is the one which used the most not only in the lunch but also in the dinner. However, brackfast contains significantly more sugar than any other meal.
To begin with, typical meal of the USA have nearly similar use of all three substances in breakfast, that are 16% saturated fat and sugar, and 2% less sodium. Moreover, 29% and 26% of sodium and saturated fat used during lunch respectively, whereas, only 19% sugar is added in lunch that is almost 10% less than other 2 substances.
Nevertheless, meal of snack has 14%, 21% and 42% of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar subsequently and overall, snack has highst amount of sugar from all four meal. However, sodium and saturated fat are more in dinner meal, which are 43% and 37%. Only 23% of sugar added in dinner meal.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The student covers all parts of the visual data by discussing the four meals and the three nutrients (sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars). An overview is provided, though some factual inaccuracies appear in the summary. For example, the student states that 'brackfast contains significantly more sugar than any other meal,' whereas the chart shows that snacks are the highest in added sugar (42%), while breakfast is only 16%. Similarly, the claim that all three nutrients are used in almost the same amount at breakfast is somewhat imprecise, given the variations. However, key features and comparisons are generally highlighted. This performance aligns with Band 6.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is arranged logically into four paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, a body paragraph covering breakfast and lunch, and a final paragraph addressing snacks and dinner. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall,' 'To begin with,' 'Moreover,' and 'Nevertheless' are used to signal logical relationships, though some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to structure the comparison. Referencing is mostly clear, though some phrasing is a bit convoluted. This corresponds to a solid Band 6 performance.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, attempting words like 'delineate,' 'substance,' and 'subsequently.' However, there are notable spelling errors ('percentsges', 'brackfast', 'highst') and awkward word choices or collocations, such as 'meal of snack' or 'use of all three substances in breakfast.' While the range is sufficient to communicate the main points, the lexical errors prevent the score from reaching a higher band. This reflects Band 6 performance.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'Meanwhile, sodium is the one which used the most...' and 'whereas, only 19% sugar is added in lunch that is almost 10% less than other 2 substances.' There are several grammatical errors, including missing auxiliary verbs ('which used the most'), incorrect prepositions ('in lunch'), and missing articles ('typical meal of the USA'). Nevertheless, these errors do not impede overall communication. This performance fits Band 6.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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