Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-01

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 8.0)

The given three pie charts illustrate the average percentage in an ordinary meal of three types of nutrients: sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar.\

Overall, dinner contains the largest proportion of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks contain by far the highest percentage of added sugar. Breakfast consistently has the lowest proportions across the three nutrients.

In terms of sodium, dinner represents the highest share at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. Breakfast and snacks contribute an identical 14% each. A similar pattern can be observed for saturated fat, with dinner again making the largest proportion, at 37%, while lunch accounts for 26%. Snacks contribute 21%, compared with only 16% for breakfast.

The distribution of added sugar is somewhat different. Snacks are the dominant source, accounting for 42%, which is almost twice the figure for dinner, at 23%. Lunch contributes a further 19%, while breakfast has the smallest share at 16%. Overall, the figures suggest that dinner is particularly high in sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks are notably high in added sugar.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response covers all parts of the task very well, presenting a clear and fully developed overview alongside accurate details from the charts. Key features are effectively selected and reported, such as noting that dinner contains the largest proportion of sodium and saturated fat while snacks are the highest in added sugar. Comparisons are made smoothly throughout, for instance when contrasting the figure for snacks with that for dinner in terms of added sugar. The data is reported accurately with no notable omissions or misinterpretations, reflecting a strong command of information representation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

Ideas are logically sequenced, guiding the reader smoothly from an overall summary into detailed breakdowns of each nutrient. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each nutrient or general trend given its own clear section. Cohesive devices are managed skilfully without feeling mechanical or obtrusive. For example, transition phrases such as 'Overall', 'In terms of sodium', and 'A similar pattern can be observed' establish a clear progression of thought and maintain cohesion throughout the response.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary resource appropriate for an academic report. Less common lexical items are used naturally and precisely, such as 'proportion', 'contribute', 'dominant source', and 'distribution'. Word choice and collocations are generally very accurate, with only occasional minor lapses. To reach the highest band, the vocabulary could incorporate even more sophisticated and nuanced phrasing, though the current range successfully conveys precise comparisons and data trends.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

A wide range of complex sentence structures is deployed with a high degree of flexibility and control. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, showcasing complex noun phrases, subordinate clauses, and participial structures like 'followed by lunch at 29%'. Punctuation and verb agreements are handled correctly throughout, and there are only very occasional, minor inappropriacies that do not detract from the overall high quality of grammatical execution.

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

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