Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-29

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 indicate the average percentages in types of typical meals of three types of nutrients, all of which may be effect the health negatively if the portion is not in control.

Overall, our dinner consists of high amount of sodium and saturated fat, while snack is accounted for most added sugar levels. Whereas the breakfast includes all these nutrients similarly.

Firstly, the snack contains fewest levels of sodium. Meanwhile, the level of saturated fat and added sugar is considerably high. Secondly, the dinner includes high sodium and saturated fat levels, while sugar is comparitively low.

Moreover, the lunch is conclusive of decent amount of all three nutrients as it contains 29% of sodium,26% of saturated fat followed by added sugar at 19%. Finally, in breakfast the levels of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar are more balanced as they are almost the same.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main pattern accurately: dinner has the highest sodium and saturated-fat shares, while snacks contribute the most added sugar. You also include several correct figures, such as lunch at 29% sodium, 26% saturated fat and 19% added sugar. However, some comparisons are vague or incomplete: breakfast is described as having similar levels, although sodium is 14% and the other two nutrients are 16%; the snack’s high added sugar and dinner’s lower sugar share would benefit from exact figures. The response is also below the required 150 words, which limits how fully you can report and compare the data. Develop the overview and support each key comparison with accurate values.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, an overview and paragraphs covering the meal types. Sequencing words such as “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “Moreover” and “Finally” help signal the order of points. However, the progression is somewhat mechanical, and the discussion moves between meals without consistently grouping the most useful comparisons. “Whereas” begins a fragment after the overview sentence, and the final paragraph repeats the idea that breakfast values are similar without adding much detail. Organise the body around clear contrasts—for example, dinner and snacks, then lunch and breakfast—and use linking phrases that show those relationships rather than simply marking sequence.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant vocabulary for describing the charts, including “average percentages,” “levels,” “consists” and “balanced,” and the meaning is generally understandable. However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “high amount,” “fewest levels,” “conclusive of decent amount” and “comparitively low.” “Effect the health negatively” is also an awkward way to express the health risk. These choices make the report less precise, particularly when describing quantities. Aim for standard chart language and check spelling: for example, use “highest proportion,” “lowest share,” “accounts for” and “comparatively.” More precise vocabulary will help distinguish the largest, smallest and similar values.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mixture of simple and complex sentences, including a contrast with “while” and a clause beginning “as.” Most of the main comparisons can be understood, but errors recur in sentence construction and grammatical forms. For example, “all of which may be effect the health negatively” has an incorrect verb form, while “Overall, our dinner consists of high amount” has an article and phrasing problem. “Whereas the breakfast includes…” is not a complete sentence in this context, and the sentence beginning “Moreover, the lunch…” lacks an article before “decent amount.” Work on complete clause structure, articles and verb forms, then proofread punctuation and spacing around figures. Greater accuracy would make the comparisons clearer.

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