Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-12
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 set of pie charts illustrates percentage distribution of three different nutrients sodium, saturated fat and added sugar in typical meals consumed by USA people.
Focusing on sodium, largest proportion is consumed in dinner, at around 43%. By contrast, only a smallest fraction intake in snakes and breakfast, almost 14 % each. Additionally, 29% of sodium in their lunch.
Regarding saturated fats, there was a decline of saturated fats in dinner, to just 37%, and in lunch also, up to 26%. While significant rise in snacks, increased up to 21%, and in breakfast 16%.
Added sugar, there is a significant increase in snacks, approximately 42%. On the other hand downfall in lunch, about 19%, and in dinner roughly 23%. While, 16% observed in breakfast.
Overall, the consumption of sodium and saturated fats in dinner is more as compared to added sugar. While, in snacks intake of sodium and saturated fats is lower than added sugar.
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 and provided relevant comparisons. You covered all three nutrients and their distribution across the four meal categories. However, the analysis is somewhat descriptive and lacks a more analytical approach to the data. For instance, you mention a 'decline' or 'rise' in saturated fats and sugar, but these terms are slightly confusing as the charts represent a static snapshot of percentages rather than a trend over time. To reach a higher band, ensure your language accurately reflects the data type (proportions) and group the information more logically to highlight the most significant differences or similarities between the nutrients.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into clear paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'By contrast', and 'Additionally'. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical, and some transitions feel abrupt. For example, the transition between the discussion of sodium and saturated fats could be smoother. Additionally, the final paragraph attempts a summary but uses slightly repetitive phrasing. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the overall coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information, using terms like 'percentage distribution', 'proportion', and 'fraction'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'downfall' is not the most appropriate term for a decrease in a statistical chart; 'decrease' or 'lower proportion' would be more precise. Similarly, 'snakes' is a spelling error for 'snacks'. To improve, focus on using more academic vocabulary and ensuring that your word choices are contextually accurate for describing data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as missing articles ('the largest proportion', 'a significant rise') and issues with preposition usage ('in snacks' vs 'for snacks'). Some sentences are also fragmented or lack a main verb, such as 'While, 16% observed in breakfast.' While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to affect the clarity of your writing. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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