Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The three pie charts illustrate the percentage distribution of three different nutrients sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar in typical meals typically consumed by people in the USA.

Sodium intake is highest at dinner, accounting for about 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. Breakfast and snacks contribute the smallest shares, each around 14%. Saturated fat shows a similar pattern, with dinner providing 37% and lunch 26%. However, snacks rise to 21%, while breakfast accounts for 16%.

Added sugar displays a contrasting trend. Snacks dominate with the largest proportion, approximately 42%. Dinner and lunch contribute 23% and 19% respectively, while breakfast remains at 16%.

Overall, it has been observed that, sodium and saturated fat consumption is concentrated in dinner, whereas added sugar peaks in snacks. This highlights that American dietary habits lean toward heavier sodium and fat intake during main meals, while sugar consumption is disproportionately higher in their snack foods.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main features of the three charts and provided relevant comparisons, such as noting the contrasting trend of added sugar compared to sodium and saturated fat. The overview is clear and synthesizes the data well. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with maximum precision; for instance, you mentioned breakfast for sodium is 'around 14%', which is accurate, but ensuring every figure is clearly linked to the specific nutrient helps the reader follow the analysis more easily. Overall, the response is well-structured and fulfills the requirements of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs dedicated to each nutrient, and a concise summary. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from sodium to saturated fat and then to added sugar. You used cohesive devices such as 'followed by', 'however', and 'whereas' effectively to link ideas and contrast the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different categories of nutrients. The flow is natural, and the information is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'percentage distribution', 'accounting for', and 'disproportionately higher' are used accurately and appropriately for an academic report. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms or collocations related to data description (e.g., 'constitute the bulk of', 'a marginal difference') could elevate the response further. There are no spelling errors, and the word choice is consistently appropriate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response displays a good command of grammatical structures. You successfully use a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the participial phrase 'accounting for about 43%' and the contrastive structure 'while breakfast accounts for 16%'. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the sentences are error-free. To achieve a higher score, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or more varied subordinate clauses, to demonstrate greater flexibility in your writing.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.