Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-08

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 three pie charts show the average percentage of three types of nutrients present in typical meals, which may be unhealthy if it use too much.

Overall, figure show four types of meals such as Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch and Snacks. The highest amount of sodium and saturated fat present in dinner, and snacks contain added sugar. In contrast, the least percentage of all three nutrients contain in breakfast.

To begin with, out of 100%, around 43% of sodium present in dinner. Following then, 29% in lunch. However, Only 14% contain of sodium present in breakfast and snacks. In terms of saturated fat, 37% consume in dinner. After that, 26%, 21% and 16% present in lunch, snacks and breakfast.

In snacks, at approximately 42% added sugar consume by USA people. Subsequently, around 23% sugar present in dinner, while only 19 percent contain in lunch. In contrast, The lowest amount of added sugar present in breakfast, at around 16%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying the highest and lowest values for each nutrient. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a cohesive synthesis of the data. While the key trends are identified, the comparison between categories could be more sophisticated. For example, noting that dinner is the primary source for two out of three nutrients is a good observation, but the report would benefit from more precise grouping of data to highlight the overall nutritional profile of these meals. The overview is present but could be more clearly integrated to provide a stronger summary of the data trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs for the specific data. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'To begin with', 'Following then', and 'In contrast', though some transitions feel slightly repetitive or mechanical. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the referencing is occasionally awkward, such as 'Following then, 29% in lunch', which lacks a clear subject. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different nutrients, which helps the reader navigate the information provided.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe the percentages and nutrients clearly. There are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'if it use too much' (should be 'if consumed in excess') and 'least percentage... contain in breakfast' (should be 'lowest percentage... is found in breakfast'). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and relies heavily on basic descriptors. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more varied reporting verbs and precise terminology related to nutritional data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that affect the flow, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('figure show', 'nutrients contain in breakfast') and awkward phrasing ('42% added sugar consume by USA people'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are persistent throughout the text. The student should focus on ensuring that sentences have a clear subject and verb and that passive voice constructions are formed correctly.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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