Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-09
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 given graph demonstrates the average percentages of three types of nutrients which are usually unhealthy if consumed too much and they are present in a typical meal.
Sodium constitutes about 14% of breakfast and snacks. The percentage of sodium in dinner is 43%, making it the largest portion of dinner, and it is 29% in lunch .
Saturated fats make up about 16% of breakfast, 21% of snacks. The biggest portion of saturated fats is present in dinner, which is about 37% of dinner. 26% of lunch is composed of saturated fats.
When it comes to added sugars, the highest amount of added sugars are found in snacks. Snacks contain almost 42% of added sugars. Then comes dinner, which consists of 23% added sugars. Lunch is made up of 19% and Breakfast contains about 16% sugars.
So, the graph shows us the data about the unhealthy nutrients, which should be avoided to gain good physical and mental health.
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
You have successfully identified the main features of the charts, such as the highest and lowest percentages for each nutrient. However, the response lacks a clear overview or summary paragraph that synthesizes the data. While you have reported the figures accurately, the task requires a more analytical approach, such as comparing the nutrients across meal types rather than listing them individually. The final sentence is subjective and goes beyond the scope of the data provided, which is not appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. To improve, ensure you group information logically and provide a concise summary of the overall trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. For instance, you rely heavily on simple sentence structures to list data, such as 'Sodium constitutes...' followed by 'Saturated fats make up...' and 'When it comes to...'. The progression of ideas is clear, but the lack of linking words between sentences makes the flow feel disjointed. Using more varied transition signals (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Similarly,' 'Conversely') would significantly improve the logical flow and cohesion of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the data clearly. You use appropriate terms like 'constitutes,' 'composed of,' and 'percentages.' However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on basic verbs. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to data description, such as 'account for,' 'comprise,' 'a significant proportion,' or 'the majority.' You also repeat the word 'nutrients' and 'added sugars' frequently; using synonyms or referencing back to the data would demonstrate better lexical control.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The grammar is generally accurate, and your meaning is always clear. You use simple sentence structures effectively, but there is a lack of complex sentence forms. Most of your sentences follow a subject-verb-object pattern. To improve, try to integrate more complex structures, such as relative clauses (e.g., 'Sodium, which accounts for 43% of dinner, is the most significant nutrient...') or participial phrases. There are minor punctuation issues, such as the space before the period in 'lunch .', but these do not impede communication. Overall, the control is good, but the range is limited.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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