Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

There are three pie charts illustrating and comparing data on the average percentage of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar consumption in the USA during the three meals of a day, and these can have adverse effects on health if consumed in excessive amounts.

Overall, sodium and saturated fats are consumed in higher percentages during dinner time; in contrast, added sugar is consumed more through snacks.

Sodium and saturated fats are both eaten in larger quantities during dinner time, with 43% and 37%, respectively, but if we look at lunch, it also covers 29% and 26% of overall consumption of the day. Whereas consumption of sodium during snacks and breakfast is in moderation at 14% each, while saturated fat consumption increased by 7% during snacks and 2% during breakfast.

On the other hand, if we look at the third pie chart, the majority of added sugar is eaten in the form of snacks at 42%, while its consumption is in moderation during breakfast and lunch at 16% and 19%, respectively.

In conclusion, during dinner, two out of three nutrients are eaten in larger quantities, while added sugar is consumed in larger quantities during snacks.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear overview and highlighting key features and comparisons across the three charts. You accurately reported the peak values for sodium and saturated fats at dinner (43% and 37%) and added sugar during snacks (42%). The data is generally accurate and well-grounded in the visual prompt, allowing the reader to grasp the main trends quickly. To achieve an even higher score, you could have integrated a more sophisticated overarching comparison, such as contrasting the dominant unhealthy nutrient sources for meals versus snacks right from the introduction, rather than relying on standard descriptive phrases throughout the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

Your response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. You effectively use an introductory paragraph, a clear overview paragraph, well-structured body paragraphs grouped by nutrient categories, and a concise concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'On the other hand', and 'Whereas' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data comparisons. To move up to the highest band, ensure that referencing and transitions between complex data points feel entirely seamless, avoiding slight mechanical repetition in how you introduce subsequent chart details.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, using terms such as 'consumption', 'percentages', 'in moderation', and 'the majority of'. Your word choices effectively convey statistical comparisons without significant repetition. However, some phrasing leans towards everyday language rather than academic precision, such as 'if we look at'. To reach a higher lexical band, incorporate more sophisticated, less common vocabulary and precise collocation typical of academic report writing, such as 'account for', 'constitute', or 'predominant'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

You display a good variety of complex structures and maintain frequent error-free sentences throughout the response. Sentences are well-constructed, using subordinate clauses effectively, as seen in 'Whereas consumption of sodium during snacks and breakfast is in moderation at 14% each, while saturated fat consumption increased by 7% during snacks'. Control of grammar and punctuation is generally strong, though minor phrasing awkwardnesses exist. To secure an even higher band, ensure absolute grammatical consistency in tense and subject-verb agreement across all complex comparative structures.

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