Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)
The pie charts illustrate the average proportions of three potentially unhealthy nutrients—sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar—consumed during four distinct eating occasions in the USA.
Overall, dinner is the primary contributor to daily sodium and saturated fat intake, whereas snacks account for the vast majority of added sugar consumption. Conversely, breakfast consistently records the lowest percentage for all three harmful nutrients. In terms of sodium consumption, dinner represents the highest share at 43%, which is significantly greater than the 29% consumed at lunch. Snacks and breakfast contribute equally to the remaining portion, accounting for 14% each.
A similar distribution is evident in saturated fat intake, where dinner dominates at 37%, followed by lunch at 26%. Meanwhile, snacks make up roughly a fifth (21%) of the total, leaving breakfast with the lowest share at 16%.The pattern shifts dramatically for added sugar consumption. Snacks are by far the largest source, responsible for 42% of the total intake. Dinner serves as the second-largest occasion at 23%, closely followed by lunch at 19%. Just as with the other two nutrients, breakfast is the smallest contributor, representing a modest 16% of daily added sugar consumption.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response is excellent and fully addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main features of the data, such as the dominance of dinner for sodium and saturated fat and the significance of snacks for added sugar. The comparisons are accurate and well-supported by the data provided in the charts. The overview is clear and effectively summarizes the key trends, providing a strong foundation for the detailed body paragraphs. There are no omissions, and the information is presented in a logical, analytical manner that meets the requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction/overview, sodium/saturated fat, and added sugar. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Conversely,' 'Meanwhile,' and 'Just as with,' which help the reader follow the comparisons smoothly. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the different nutrients is seamless. The information is presented in a way that is easy to follow, and the overall structure is highly coherent.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You have used a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'primary contributor,' 'consistently records,' 'dominates,' and 'shifts dramatically' demonstrate a sophisticated control of language. The use of collocations is natural, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling. The vocabulary is varied and contributes to the clarity and professional tone of the report. You have successfully avoided repetition by using synonyms and varied sentence structures to describe the data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have used complex sentences effectively, such as 'Dinner represents the highest share at 43%, which is significantly greater than the 29% consumed at lunch.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.
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