Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-27

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)

THERE ARE THREE PIE CHARTS WHICH CONTAINES DATA OF UNHEALTHY CONSUMPTION OF SODIUM, SATURATED FATS AND ADDED SUGARS IN THE POPULATION OF THE USA. MAINLY IT IS DIVIDED IN FOUR CATEGORIES OF DAILY MEALS LIKE, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND SNACKS. THE HIGHER AMOUNT OF SODIUM AND SATURATED FAT WAS CONSUMED BY DINNER MOREOVER, MOST ADDED SUGAR CONSUMED THROUGH SNACKS.

TO BEGIN WITH, THE PERSENTAGE OF SODIUM IS SAME IN SNACKS AND BREAKFAST THAT IS 14% AND THE PERCENTAGE INCREASED DURING LUNCH AND IT IS 29%. LASTLY, BY DINNER PEOPLE ALMOST CONSUME 43% OF SODIUM WHICH IS MAXIMUM AS COMPAIRE TO OTHER THREE MEALS. AFTER SODIUM THE SATURATED FATS RATIO IS 16% IN BREAKFAST AND IT INCREASED DURING BREAKFAST HOURS AND BECAME 26% WHICH IS NEAR CLOSE FROM SNACKS BECAUSE IT IS 21%. FURTHERMORE, MOST HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF FAT CONSUMPTION IS 37% BY DINNER MEALS.

TO CONTINUED WITH, THE ADDED SUGAR PERCENTAGE IS 16,19 AND 23 IN BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER MEALS WHICH IS TO CLOSE AND IT INCREASED BY 42% IN SNACKS.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You identify the main pattern accurately: dinner accounts for the largest shares of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks contribute the most added sugar. Most figures are also reported correctly, including sodium at 14% for breakfast and snacks and 43% for dinner, and added sugar at 42% for snacks. This gives the response a clear overview and relevant comparisons. However, some details are unclear or inaccurate: “it increased during breakfast hours” does not describe the saturated-fat figures correctly, and the comparison that 26% is “near close from snacks” is confusing. The overview is present, but the body does not explain the contrasting distribution of added sugar as fully as it could. More precise comparisons and clearer reporting would strengthen the response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an opening overview is followed by discussion of sodium and saturated fat, then added sugar. This helps the reader follow the broad organisation, and linking expressions such as “To begin with” and “Furthermore” signal movement between points. However, progression within the body is sometimes difficult to follow. For example, the saturated-fat sentence moves from breakfast to “breakfast hours,” then compares lunch with snacks, making the sequence of figures unclear. “To continued with” also does not connect the final paragraph smoothly. Grouping each nutrient’s figures in a consistent order and using simpler, more precise transitions would make the relationships between data easier to understand.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “sodium,” “saturated fats,” “added sugar,” “percentage,” and “consumption,” so the subject is generally clear. There is also some attempt to vary wording, such as “ratio” and “amount.” However, the range and control are limited, and several word choices or collocations make comparisons awkward: “the higher amount … was consumed by dinner,” “near close from snacks,” and “most highest percentage” are not natural ways to describe chart data. Spelling errors such as “persentage” and “compaire” are noticeable. Aim for accurate chart language such as “accounted for,” “share,” and “compared with,” and check spelling and collocations carefully.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple statements and longer sentences, and the main message is usually understandable. However, control is inconsistent, particularly in longer constructions. The opening “There are three pie charts which containes” has subject–verb agreement and verb-form problems; “the percentage increased during lunch and it is 29%” shifts tense; and “the added sugar percentage is 16, 19 and 23 … which is to close” has unclear agreement and sentence structure. Some sentences also join several ideas without clear punctuation, which makes the data harder to interpret. Practise accurate present-tense reporting and build comparisons in shorter, complete sentences before adding more complex structures.

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