Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-14

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 6.0)

The pie charts show the average percentages distribution of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in the USA.

Overall, the amount of sodium, saturated fats and added sugar is distributed across four meals. However, Dinner contains high amount of sodium and saturated fats, whereas snacks have the lowest percentage of sodium and breakfast contains less amount of saturated fat. Large amount of sugar is added in snacks, while breakfast has the least sugar added.

In Dinner, large amount of sodium is consumed about 43%, while 29% is used in lunch, snack and breakfast consume the rest 14% each. Saturated fat has high consumption in dinner at 37%, whereas 26% in lunch and 21% in snacks, and least in breakfast around 16%.

Almost half of the sugar is added in snacks nearly 42%, then in dinner about 23%. In lunch, added sugar is 19% and 16% in breakfast. All the meals collectively accounted for 100% of the total.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You identify the main pattern accurately: dinner has the largest shares of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks account for the most added sugar. The figures you report are consistent with the chart, and the overview makes relevant comparisons. Some details are less fully handled: the statement that breakfast has the least saturated fat is correct, but the overview could more clearly compare the meal patterns across all three nutrients. The final sentence that all meals total 100% adds little analytical value. The response is 147 words, below the required 150; develop one comparison with a little more detail to meet the minimum and strengthen coverage.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, an overview, and separate paragraphs for sodium and saturated fat, then added sugar. This makes the information easy to follow. Linking expressions such as “Overall,” “whereas,” and “then” help signal comparisons, although some connections feel mechanical or unclear. For example, “snack and breakfast consume the rest 14% each” compresses two figures into an awkward construction, and the final sentence about all meals collectively accounting for 100% does not develop the preceding discussion. To improve progression, group the figures by meal or nutrient consistently and use clearer references when comparing categories.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant chart vocabulary, including “average percentages,” “consumed,” “accounted for,” and “whereas,” so the main information is understandable. However, several phrases are repetitive or imprecise, particularly “large amount” and “high amount,” and “the amount … is distributed” is not a natural way to describe percentages. “Sugar is added in snacks” may also suggest sugar is physically added rather than reporting the chart’s share of added sugar. Aim for more precise collocations such as “accounted for the largest proportion” and “the share of added sugar.” Varying “consumption” and “amount” with “proportion,” “share,” or “figure” would make the report more controlled.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including comparisons with “whereas” and a subordinate clause beginning “while.” Most meanings remain clear, but some grammatical errors recur. In “Dinner contains high amount,” the singular countable noun needs an article; “breakfast has the least sugar added” is awkwardly structured; and “snack and breakfast consume the rest 14% each” has an unclear subject–verb relationship. The opening overview sentence also uses a singular verb with a compound subject: “the amount … is distributed.” Check articles, agreement, and sentence structure when combining figures. More consistently accurate complex sentences would strengthen control.

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