Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-23
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 6.5)
The following pie charts display the mean percentages of nutrients in three types of typical meals in the USA, which may be unhealth in case of over consumption.
Overall, sodium and saturated fat are consumed the most by the residents of the US at dinner, while snacks consist of the most amount of added sugar.
Looking at the graphs in more detail, a little less than half (43%) of sodium is consumed during dinner time compared to only 29% at lunch. The least proportion of sodium is consumed while eating snacks and during breakfast which is 14%. Similarly, saturated fat is also consumed the most during dinner time. Following that, lunch occupies just over one-fourth (26%) of the average saturated fat consumption, snacks cover just over one-fifth (21%) while breakfast covers only 16%.
Regarding the consumption of added sugar, 42% is consumed while eating typical snacks, compared to 23% during dinner time and 19% during lunch time. In contrast, breakfast consists of least amount ot sugar which is 16%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the three nutrients and four meal types. An appropriate overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting the key extremes, such as dinner being the peak for sodium and saturated fat, while snacks dominate added sugar consumption. The data is accurately cited from the charts without major misinterpretations (e.g., 43% for sodium at dinner, 42% for added sugar in snacks). The response meets the requirements of Task 1 by selecting, reporting, and comparing the essential data effectively. Minor generalizations are well-supported by the provided figures, earning a solid band score for task fulfillment.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0
The text exhibits a clear logical organization and progression throughout. It opens with an introductory statement, follows with a concise overview paragraph, and then breaks down the detailed body paragraphs by nutrient categories. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Looking at the graphs in more detail', 'Similarly', and 'Regarding' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is logical, with each paragraph serving a distinct function in structuring the response. Referencing is generally clear, and although cohesive devices are sometimes formulaic, they do not detract from the overall readability and coherent flow of the text.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. Phrases like 'mean percentages', 'over consumption', 'peak', 'proportion', and 'consumption' are used correctly. However, there are a couple of lexical errors, such as 'unhealth' instead of 'unhealthy' in the introduction, and 'consists of least amount ot sugar' containing a typo ('ot') and slightly unnatural phrasing. Despite these minor slips, the vocabulary is varied enough to allow precise descriptions of trends and comparisons, showing good control over general and task-specific lexis.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5
The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over relative clauses and comparative structures (e.g., 'a little less than half (43%) of sodium is consumed during dinner time compared to only 29% at lunch'). Grammatical accuracy is generally high, with the majority of sentences being error-free. The minor errors present—such as the missing 'y' in 'unhealth' and the slight awkwardness in 'consists of least amount ot sugar'—do not impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses, and verb tenses are handled appropriately for describing static chart data.
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