Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-05
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 charts compare the average percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in the USA.
Overall, it is clearly seen that in typical meals of three types of nutrients, all of which may be unhealthy if eaten too much. Moreover, average percentages of sodium, highest proportion of sodium in dinner 43% while, breakfast are the lowest percentages.
To begin with, looking at the consumption of sodium, dinner accounts for the highest proportion at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. Both breakfast and snacks share an equal lowest percentage of 14% each. A similar pattern can be observed in saturated fats, where dinner again records the maximum intake at 37%. Lunch and snacks contribute 26% and 21% respectively, while breakfast stands at the lowest with 16%.
In contrast, the distribution changes slightly for added sugars. Snacks constitute the largest share of added sugar consumption at 42%, which is significantly higher than the other meals. Dinner accounts for 23%, and lunch follows closely behind at 19%. Lastly, breakfast records the lowest proportion of added sugars at 16%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The response addresses the task partially, as the length requirement is not met (containing 147 words, falling short of the 150-word minimum, with 34 words copied from the prompt uncounted). While all three nutrients (sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars) are mentioned and the main features are reported, the overall summary is flawed. The overview sentence in the second paragraph ('Overall, it is clearly seen that in typical meals of three types of nutrients, all of which may be unhealthy if eaten too much') is grammatically incomplete and merely copies prompt language rather than summarising the data trends. Furthermore, data is sometimes awkwardly framed, and some comparisons are under-developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
There is some organisation in the response, with clear attempts at paragraphing and the use of introductory linking phrases such as 'To begin with', 'A similar pattern', and 'In contrast'. However, overall progression is hindered by awkward transitions and a faulty second paragraph that lacks clear logical flow. Referencing and cohesive devices are sometimes mechanical or inaccurate, such as using 'while, breakfast are the lowest percentages', which disrupts the natural flow of information between sentences. Paragraphing is present, but the structural arrangement could be improved for smoother readability.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The lexical range is adequate for the task, successfully incorporating vocabulary such as 'consumption', 'proportion', 'maximum intake', and 'distribution'. The student attempts less common vocabulary with varying degrees of success. However, there are noticeable word choice and collocation slips, such as 'highest proportion of sodium in dinner 43% while, breakfast are the lowest percentages' and awkward phrasing in the overview. Spelling and word choice errors are present, but they do not severely impede overall communication, placing this criterion at the targeted band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a limited range of sentence structures, with mixed success when attempting complex forms. There are frequent grammatical errors, particularly regarding missing verbs, incorrect prepositions, and faulty clause structures (e.g., 'Overall, it is clearly seen that in typical meals of three types of nutrients...', which is an incomplete dependent clause). Punctuation and agreement errors also occur, such as comma splices and incorrect subject-verb alignment ('breakfast are the lowest percentages'). These errors can cause occasional difficulty for the reader, fitting the profile for this level.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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