Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-30

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 7.5)

The three pie charts illustrate the average proportions of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar contained in typical meals consumed in the USA.

Overall, dinner accounts for the largest proportions of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks contain by far the highest percentage of added sugar. Breakfast contributes the smallest or one of the smallest proportions of all three nutrients.

Looking first at sodium, dinner accounts for the highest proportion at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. Breakfast and snacks each make up 14%. A similar pattern can be seen for saturated fat, with dinner again having the largest share, at 37%, while lunch accounts for 26%. Snacks represent 21%, compared with just 16% for breakfast.

In terms of added sugar, however, the pattern is different. Snacks make up the largest proportion, at 42%, which is almost twice the figure for dinner, at 23%. Lunch accounts for 19%, while breakfast has the lowest percentage, at 16%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by accurately summarising the main features of the charts and making relevant comparisons. The overview captures the most striking contrast between dinner and snacks, and the body paragraphs accurately report the data for sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar without any misinterpretation. Figures are cited correctly (e.g., 43% for dinner sodium, 42% for snack added sugar), demonstrating a thorough understanding of the visual information. The response satisfies all requirements for an Academic Task 1 response at a high level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from an introductory statement and clear overview into detailed body paragraphs for each nutrient. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively (e.g., 'Overall', 'Looking first at', 'A similar pattern can be seen', 'In terms of added sugar, however'), and referencing is precise. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group related information, ensuring the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for describing statistical data and proportions (e.g., 'proportions', 'accounts for', 'contributes', 'proportion', 'pattern'). Word choice is generally precise and natural, allowing for clear comparisons (e.g., 'almost twice the figure for'). Although the vocabulary is somewhat standard for Task 1 rather than highly sophisticated or uncommon, it is used accurately and flexibly enough to meet the criteria for Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good variety of complex sentence structures (e.g., 'whereas snacks contain by far the highest percentage', 'followed by lunch at 29%'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation and grammar are handled with a high degree of control. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede communication, and the complex forms are used naturally to compare and contrast the data points.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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