Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-24
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 three pie charts illustrate the proportion of four meals consumed in the USA for three different nutrients which are harmful for our health if they are consumed frequently.
Overall, for two nutrients sodium and saturated fat contribution of dinner is the highest and snacks is dominant for added sugar. In contrast, breakfast shares the smallest share across most of the nutrients.
The sodium is dominantly fulfilled by dinner with 43% contribution, followed by lunch with 29%, whereas breakfast and snacks has the minor role in distribution, both with 14%.
In terms of saturated fat and added sugar, breakfast has the least contribution of 16% and dominant by dinner with 37% and 42% with snacks in saturated fat and added sugar, respectively. For saturated fat, major contributions are from lunch with 26% and snacks by 21%. However, added sugar has the major contributions from dinner and lunch by 23% and 19% respectively.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the three charts. An overview is provided, highlighting the general dominance of dinner for sodium and saturated fat, and snacks for added sugar. Key data points, such as dinner accounting for 43% of sodium and snacks taking 42% for added sugar, are accurately reported. The response covers all required aspects without significant omissions, satisfying the requirements for Band 7.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The response has a clear overall progression, moving from an introductory statement and general overview to detailed body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different nutrients. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In contrast', 'whereas', and 'In terms of' are employed to guide the reader through the data, although some minor mechanical phrasing appears. Overall, the organization is logical and easy to follow, supporting a Band 7.0 score.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, including terms like 'proportion', 'contribution', 'dominant', and 'distribution'. Less common lexical items are attempted ('proportion of four meals', 'minor role'), though there are some slight awkwardness or collocation issues (e.g., 'dominant by dinner'). Spelling and word choice are generally accurate and do not impede communication, fitting the Band 6.5 criteria nicely.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as introductory subordinate clauses ('In terms of saturated fat and added sugar, breakfast has...'). There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, notably missing articles ('The sodium is dominantly fulfilled') and passive/active confusion ('dominant by dinner'). However, these errors do not impede communication, and the control of grammar is sufficient for a Band 6.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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