Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-13
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 pie charts illustrates information about average amount of sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars in typical meals consumed in the USA. The data has been caliberated in forms of percentage.
By having a cursory glance, it can be noted that the meals are categorized into four types breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. For instance, sodium covers 43% area during dinner time 29% area during lunch, 14% in both breakfast and snacks. Moreover, saturated fat occupies 37% space in dinner, 26% in lunch, 21% in snacks and 16% in breakfast respectively.
Moving further ahead, looking upon added sugar it is quite visible that 42% area is covered by snacks, 23% by dinner, 19% lunch, and 16% breakfast.
In conclusion, the highest and lowest area both is covered by sodium during dinner time, breakfast and snacks respectively.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main features of the charts, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview or synthesis of the data. The conclusion is also confusing, as it incorrectly states that sodium has the 'lowest area' in breakfast and snacks when the data shows otherwise. To improve, ensure you provide a clear summary of the trends rather than just listing figures, and always double-check your data interpretation. You must also expand your analysis to meet the length requirement, perhaps by making more direct comparisons between the nutrient levels across different meal types.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat repetitive, relying heavily on listing percentages rather than grouping information logically. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Moreover' and 'Moving further ahead', but they feel slightly mechanical. The transition between the body paragraphs and the conclusion is abrupt. To improve, try to use more varied linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, such as grouping nutrients by their highest or lowest consumption periods, rather than just listing them by nutrient type.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. You use phrases like 'cursory glance' and 'covers area', which are acceptable but repetitive. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'caliberated' (likely meant 'calibrated' or 'presented') and 'looking upon added sugar'. To reach a higher band, aim to use more precise academic vocabulary to describe data, such as 'account for', 'constitute', or 'a significant proportion'. Avoid informal phrasing and ensure that your terminology is used accurately in the context of data reporting.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
There are several grammatical errors throughout the text. For example, 'The given pie charts illustrates' contains a subject-verb agreement error (should be 'illustrate'). Additionally, 'the highest and lowest area both is covered' is grammatically awkward. The sentence structures are relatively simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and try to incorporate a wider range of complex structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice constructions, to describe the data more fluently. Proofreading for basic errors like pluralization and verb tense consistency will also help.
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.