Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-15

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 6.0)

The three pie charts compare the proportions of various types of nutrients such as sodium, saturated fats and added sugar in four meals consumed in the USA.

Overall, maximum sodium and saturated fat were contained in dinner. Whereas, the lowest ratio of these nutrients was present in breakfast. The largest added sugar and lowest sodium and saturated fats were included in snacks.

In breakfast, the lowest share 14% of sodium, and 16% saturated fats and added sugar of these unhealthy nutrients, were included. Although in lunch the second highest proportion of 29% of sodium, 26% of saturated fat and 19% that was second lowest share of added sugar were present.

Dinner had the largest proportion of sodium and saturated fat that were 43% and 37%, respectively. In contrast, 23% of added sugar were present. Snacks contained 14% sodium, 21% saturated fat and the highest proportion of added sugar that was 42%

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the charts and provided a clear overview. You included data to support your points, such as the percentages for sodium and saturated fats in dinner. However, the report could be improved by grouping the data more effectively to highlight comparisons rather than listing figures for each meal sequentially. For instance, comparing the nutrient levels across all four meals in a more integrated way would demonstrate a higher level of analytical skill. The information is accurate, and you have covered all parts of the prompt, meeting the requirements for a Band 6.5 or 7.0, though a more sophisticated synthesis of the data is needed for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'although', and 'in contrast' to link ideas. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes a bit mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more balanced. For example, the third paragraph is quite dense compared to the others. To improve, ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus and that transitions between sentences feel more natural rather than just listing data points. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear, and the structure is appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information, including terms like 'proportions', 'nutrients', and 'saturated fats'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'maximum sodium... were contained' (should be 'the highest levels of sodium were found'). While you successfully use some topic-specific vocabulary, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied ways of describing trends and proportions, such as 'the majority of', 'a significant portion', or 'accounted for'. The current vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement and article usage, such as 'The largest added sugar... were included' (should be 'The largest proportion of added sugar was included'). Additionally, some sentence structures are slightly awkward, such as '19% that was second lowest share of added sugar were present'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on consistent subject-verb agreement and refining the use of relative clauses will help improve your accuracy and range.

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

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