Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-27
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 given three pie charts illustrate information about the average percentage of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in the USA.
Overall, dinner accounted for the highest percentage of sodium and saturated fat, while snack utilized the least percentage of sodium and breakfast listed the smallest ratio of saturated fat and added sugar. Additionally, snacks accounted for the largest proportion of added sugar consumption.
Sodium consumption was around 14% in both snack and breakfast, while approximately 43% of sodium was consumed in dinner and lunch reported at roughly 29% of sodium consumption.
In addition, Saturated fat consumption was around 16% in breakfast and 26% in lunch, whereas dinner recorded at approximately 37% of saturated fat utilization. Next, snack used at around 21% of saturated fat consumption.
Meanwhile, Breakfast consumed with around 16% of added sugar and 19% in lunch. While dinner reported at around 23% of added sugar, largely snacks utilized at approximately 43% of added sugar expenditure.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the three pie charts regarding nutrient consumption in typical US meals. A clear overview is provided, highlighting the extremes for each nutrient, such as dinner accounting for the highest percentages of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks dominated added sugar consumption. Key comparisons are made across the different meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) with accurate referencing to the provided data figures (e.g., sodium at 43% for dinner, added sugar at 42% for snacks). The data is reported logically and completely, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.0 in this criterion.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically by paragraph, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by individual body paragraphs for sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Additionally', 'Meanwhile', and 'In addition' are used to connect ideas, though some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive in structure. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different nutrients, ensuring the reader can easily follow the flow of data comparisons. This aligns well with the Band 7 descriptors.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe statistical information, incorporating terms such as 'proportion', 'ratio', 'utilization', and 'consumption'. However, there are some awkward word choices and collocations that detract from precision, such as 'snack utilized the least percentage' or 'dinner recorded at approximately 37% of saturated fat utilization'. Despite these occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, the vocabulary is adequate for the task and does not impede communication, placing the response firmly at Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several good complex sentences, such as 'Overall, dinner accounted for the highest percentage of sodium and saturated fat, while snack utilized the least percentage...' However, grammar and punctuation errors occur throughout, particularly with passive voice and verb forms, such as 'lunch reported at roughly 29%', 'dinner recorded at approximately 37%', and 'Breakfast consumed with around 16%'. These errors are noticeable but rarely impede communication, corresponding to a Band 6.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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