Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-03
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 5.5)
The pie charts illustrate the percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugar consumed in typical meals in the USA, the units are given in percentages.
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that dinner accounted for the highest proportions of sodium and saturated fat consumption, while the lowest figures were recorded for breakfast. In contrast, snacks represented the largest share of added sugar intake.
To begin with, it is evident that sodium consumption at dinner accounted for 43% of the total, whereas it was 14 percentage points higher than lunch, at 29% Moreover, snacks and dinner intake in saturated fat and added sugar had the narrowest gap, stood at 21% and 23%. Additionally, snacks and breakfast shared the same proportion of sodium intake, representing 14% each.
By contrast, added sugar consumption in snacks represented
42%, therefore it was 5 percentage points higher than dinner intake in saturated fat, at 37%. Meanwhile, the largest disparity can be observed between dinner and breakfast consumption in sodium, attributing 43% and 14%. Lastly, it is worth highlighting that snacks intake in saturated fat and added sugar was half of,
at 42% and 21%, respectively.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task and provides a clear overview of the main trends. You successfully identified the key features, such as dinner being the highest for sodium and saturated fat, and snacks being the highest for added sugar. However, the analysis of the data is occasionally confusing. For instance, the sentence 'snacks and dinner intake in saturated fat and added sugar had the narrowest gap, stood at 21% and 23%' is mathematically unclear and lacks precision. Additionally, the comparison between dinner and lunch for sodium is slightly awkward in its phrasing. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are stated with absolute clarity and that the data points are linked logically to the trends described.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Looking from an overall perspective', 'To begin with', and 'By contrast' to guide the reader. However, some transitions are mechanical or slightly misused, such as 'therefore it was 5 percentage points higher' which does not logically follow the previous clause. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different nutrients and meal types. To improve, focus on ensuring that cohesive devices create a natural flow between sentences rather than just acting as signposts at the beginning of paragraphs.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportions', 'intake', 'disparity', and 'attributed'. There are some instances of slightly unnatural collocation or word choice, such as 'snacks intake in saturated fat and added sugar was half of', which is grammatically incomplete and confusing. While you attempt to use more sophisticated language, the precision is sometimes lacking, which hinders the clarity of the data reporting. Expanding your vocabulary to include more precise ways of describing statistical changes and comparisons would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of information, such as 'the units are given in percentages' (a comma splice) and 'snacks and dinner intake... stood at 21% and 23%' (subject-verb agreement/clarity issues). The sentence 'the largest disparity can be observed between dinner and breakfast consumption in sodium, attributing 43% and 14%' is also grammatically awkward. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these minor errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for sentence boundaries and ensuring subjects clearly match their verbs.
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