Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-28

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 charts illustrate the percentages of people who consumed three types of unhealthy nutrients in their meals.

Overall, dinner contains the highest proportion of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks have the greatest percentage of added sugar. In contrast, breakfast generally accounts for the lowest proportions of all three nutrients.

Dinner accounts for the largest proportion of sodium, at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. Breakfast contains considerably less sodium, at 14%, while snacks make up the remaining 14%. A similar pattern can be seen for saturated fat. Dinner has the highest figure, at 37%, whereas lunch represents 26%. Snacks account for 21%, and breakfast has the lowest proportion, at 16%.

The figures for added sugar show a different pattern. Snacks contribute the highest percentage, at 42%, which is almost twice the figure for dinner, at 23%. Lunch accounts for 19% of added sugar, while breakfast has the lowest proportion, at 16%. Overall, dinner is the main source of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks are the largest contributor to added sugar.

AI examiner evaluation

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 nutrients. An appropriate overview is provided at the beginning and reinforced at the end, capturing the highest proportions for each category accurately. Data points are cited correctly from the charts, such as dinner accounting for 43% of sodium and snacks contributing 42% of added sugar. However, the introductory sentence contains a slight inaccuracy by stating 'percentages of people who consumed' rather than percentages of nutrients in meals, which is a minor misinterpretation of the chart subject. Despite this, the response is well-developed and covers all visual data effectively, aligning closely with the Band 7 requirements for task coverage and highlighting key trends.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly by nutrient categories into distinct paragraphs, allowing the reader to follow the comparisons easily. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'In contrast', 'followed by', and 'A similar pattern can be seen', which connect ideas smoothly without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate the introduction, overview, body details, and concluding summary. Referencing is clear and unambiguous. The overall structure meets the criteria for a Band 7 by demonstrating a clear central topic within each paragraph and maintaining logical flow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully employing terms such as 'proportion', 'contribution', 'figure', and 'represents' to discuss statistical data. There is some flexibility and precision in describing trends, such as 'considerably less', 'largest contributor', and 'almost twice the figure'. Word choice is generally appropriate, although the introductory misstatement ('percentages of people') detracts slightly from lexical precision. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, supporting clear communication. The vocabulary range is adequate to achieve a solid Band 7, though the use of more sophisticated or varied academic phrasing would be required for a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

A good variety of complex sentence structures is used effectively, such as participle clauses ('followed by lunch at 29%') and subordinate clauses introduced by 'while' and 'whereas'. The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. Punctuation is used accurately to set off clauses and list percentages. Minor structural slips are virtually absent, and sentence forms are handled with confidence. This level of grammatical control and variety comfortably satisfies the descriptors for Band 7, showing frequent error-free sentences and a strong mix of structures.

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