Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-02

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

IELTS Writing

Student answer (Band 7.0)

The pie charts illustrate the average percentages of three kinds of nutrients consumed in typical meals in the USA.

Overall, dinner has the highest percentages of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks have the greatest percentage of added sugar. In contrast, breakfast has the lowest percentages of all three nutrients.

To begin, in the United States of America, dinner accounted for 43% of sodium and 37% of saturated fat consumption. These figures were significantly higher for dinner than in other meals. Furthermore, snacks accounted for 42% of added sugar followed by dinner at 23%.

In sharp contrast to this, breakfast accounted for only 14% of sodium. This figure was lowest among the other meals. Additionally, breakfast accounted for 16% of saturated fat and added sugar each. Finally, lunch accounted for 29% of sodium, 26% of saturated fat, and 19% of added sugar. These figures remained similar across all three nutrients with no huge difference.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response7.5
Coherence and Cohesion7.0
Lexical Resource6.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy7.0
Overall7.0

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the three nutrients. An effective overview is provided, highlighting the highest and lowest proportions, such as noting that dinner has the highest percentages of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks lead in added sugar. The student extends and supports these ideas with accurate figures from the charts, such as 43% for sodium at dinner and 42% for added sugar in snacks. While the data is handled well and all key trends are captured, the response tends to list percentages sequentially rather than fully integrating every comparison into a cohesive narrative, which keeps it just shy of a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The text demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The response begins with an introductory statement, followed by a well-crafted overview paragraph, and then detailed body paragraphs that break down the information logically. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well to guide the reader through the data, such as 'Overall', 'To begin', 'Furthermore', and 'In sharp contrast to this'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and body details. However, some of the cohesive transitions feel slightly mechanical or formulaic, which prevents the organizational flow from appearing completely natural and seamless.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms related to data reporting such as 'illustrate', 'percentages', 'nutrient', 'consumption', and 'accounted for'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary and comparative phrases, such as 'significantly higher' and 'in sharp contrast'. However, the vocabulary range lacks the precision and flexibility characteristic of a higher band. Word choices are generally safe and occasionally repetitive, such as the repeated use of 'accounted for' to introduce data points. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, and communication is never impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The writing exhibits a good variety of sentence structures, mixing simple and complex forms effectively. There is good control over grammar and punctuation, with frequent error-free sentences, particularly when reporting statistical data. Complex structures, such as introductory prepositional phrases ('In sharp contrast to this') and subordinate clauses, are handled accurately. Verb tenses and subject-verb agreement are managed well throughout the description. A few minor slips persist, and while the structures show variety, the overall grammatical repertoire does not quite reach the sustained complexity required for a higher level.

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