Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-07-25

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.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The provided three pie charts compare the average proportions of nutrients namely sodium, saturated fat and added sugar consumed by residents of USA in different types of meals. The data has been calibrated into percentage.

Looking from an overall perspective, it is crystal clear that dinner accounts for the largest share of both sodium and saturated fat intake, whereas added sugar is consumed mainly through snacks. By contrast, breakfast contributes the smallest proportion of sodium, while it also makes up a relatively low percentage of the other two nutrients.

At first glance, it is noticeable that dinner represents by far the highest figure at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. In comparison, breakfast and snacks each account for only 14% of the total sodium intake. Subsequently, a similar pattern can be seen in saturated fat consumption. Dinner again ranks first, making up 37%, while lunch contributes 26%. Snacks account for 21%, whereas breakfast has the lowest proportion at just 16%.

Probing ahead, the distribution of added sugar, however, differs noticeably. Snacks are responsible for the largest share, at 42%, which is almost double the figure for dinner (23%). Lunch contributes a more modest 19%, while amount of added sugar in breakfast is considerably low as compared to other nurtients and once again records the percentage, at 16%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly identified the main features of the data and provided relevant comparisons between the three nutrients and the four meal types. The overview is well-constructed, highlighting the key trends (dinner for sodium/fat, snacks for sugar). You have supported your points with accurate data from the charts, such as noting that snacks account for 42% of added sugar, which is nearly double the figure for dinner. The information is presented logically, and the summary is accurate and comprehensive, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an introduction and overview to specific details about sodium/saturated fat and then added sugar. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'by contrast', 'subsequently', and 'however', which help guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different nutrient categories. The flow is smooth and the relationship between the data points is clearly articulated throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'calibrated into percentage', 'accounts for the largest share', and 'represents by far the highest figure' are used accurately. There is a minor spelling error ('nurtients'), but this does not impede communication. You show an ability to use less common lexical items to describe trends and proportions. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'contributes' or 'records' to avoid slight repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('whereas added sugar is consumed mainly through snacks') and comparative structures. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is consistent. There are very few grammatical slips, and the overall clarity of the writing is high. The structure is sophisticated enough to support the clear communication of data, and the minor errors present do not interfere with the reader's understanding of the information provided.

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