Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The pie chart illustrates information about the average percentage of three different types of nutrients every typical American meal contain. the sodium, saturated fats and added sugars are major constituent of average American meal, if they are consumed above the limit they might be harmful for humans.

Overall, sodium and saturated fat is more consumed during the dinner time while added sugars are being more consumed in afternoon or evening snack time. meanwhile, breakfast had almost same amount of sodium, saturated fat, and artificial sugar.

Firstly, the sodium is most used nutrient in dinner time almost near to half value (43%). 29 percent during lunch and 16 percent at the time of breakfast, while only 14 percent is consumed during the snack time.

Secondly, saturated fat is also more consumed in dinner times almost 37 percent. during lunch is 26 percent and in breakfast it's nutrient value is 16 percent same as added sugar. while 21 percent at the time of munching.

In last, added sugar is widely consumed during snack time about 42 percent. while during lunch 23 percent and only 19 percent consumed during lunch time.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the main parts of the task by reporting the key features and making some relevant comparisons, such as noting that sodium and saturated fat are highest at dinner while added sugar peaks during snack time. However, the development is somewhat mechanical and limited. For instance, the comment that breakfast had almost the same amount of each nutrient is inaccurate based on the visual data, where breakfast values vary between 14 percent and 16 percent. Additionally, there are minor data inaccuracies, such as mixing up the lunch and dinner percentages for added sugar in the final paragraph, stating 'while during lunch 23 percent and only 19 percent consumed during lunch time'. To reach a higher band, the student needs to select and report data more accurately without misrepresenting the figures and extend the comparisons between categories more fully.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has an identifiable overall arrangement, with an introductory paragraph, an overview, and separate body paragraphs for each nutrient. However, progression is hindered by repetitive and mechanical transitional devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'In last'. Paragraphing is attempted, but the grouping feels formulaic rather than driven by a clear logical flow. Referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the pronoun use and abrupt shifts between categories without sufficient linking. To improve, the student should employ a wider and more flexible variety of cohesive devices and ensure that paragraphs transition smoothly from one idea to the next rather than relying on a rigid listing structure.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with appropriate topic-specific terms like 'sodium', 'saturated fats', 'added sugars', and 'nutrient'. The writer attempts some less common vocabulary, such as 'constituent' and 'munching', but these demonstrate occasional inaccuracy in word choice and collocation, as 'munching' is too informal for an academic report. There are also noticeable lexical errors and awkward phrasings, such as 'every typical American meal contain' instead of 'contains', and 'artificial sugar' instead of 'added sugar'. Spelling is generally acceptable, but vocabulary limitations and occasional imprecise word choices restrict the response to a restricted yet minimally adequate range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a very limited range of structures, relying mostly on simple sentences and straightforward descriptive clauses. Attempts at complex sentence forms are frequently faulty or incomplete, such as 'while during lunch 23 percent and only 19 percent consumed during lunch time', which lacks a proper verb clause. There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues like 'sodium and saturated fat is more consumed', missing articles ('during dinner times'), and incorrect preposition usage. Punctuation is also weak, with run-on phrasing and lowercase letters at the start of sentences like 'the sodium, saturated fats...'. These frequent errors can occasionally cause difficulty for the reader and reflect a restricted control over grammatical structures.

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

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