Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-19

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 the average proportion of three unhealthy nutrients sodium, saturated fat, and sugar which are consumed in four times of meals breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in the USA.

As can be seen from the graph the proportion of sodium and saturated fat consumed at dinner are typically high. Sodium almost 43% while saturated fat at 37%. Sodium consumed in snacks and breakfast accounted for an equal proportion, at 14%. while sodium taken in lunch it almost about 29% comparatively higher then saturated fat and sugar consumption.

Furthermore, the figures for added sugar and saturated fat in breakfast were identical, at 16% each. The saturated fat consumed in snacks at 21%. While for lunch it accounted at 26%. Meanwhile, sugar consumption as snacks meal is higher proportion at 42%. While sugar for lunch accounted at 19% and for dinner at 23%.

overall, sodium and saturated fat consumption is higher in dinner meal, while sugar consumption in dinner was comparatively low.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying key trends for the three nutrients across the four meal types. However, the reporting of data is occasionally imprecise or confusing, such as the statement 'sodium taken in lunch it almost about 29%'. While the main features are selected, the comparison between the nutrients could be more effectively synthesized to highlight the overall patterns. The overview provided at the end is accurate but could be more clearly integrated into the structure of the report to better summarize the data trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'while' and 'as'. There are instances where the logical flow is disrupted by awkward phrasing, such as the transition between the discussion of sodium and sugar. The paragraphing is present but the internal structure of the paragraphs could be improved to ensure a smoother progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the data points. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and minor errors, such as 'four times of meals' instead of 'four types of meals' and 'comparatively higher then' (should be 'than'). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors. To reach a higher band, the student should aim for more varied and precise terminology to describe trends and proportions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The given pie charts illustrates') and missing articles or prepositions ('consumed in snacks and breakfast accounted for an equal proportion'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of full stops and commas. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors prevent the writing from reaching a higher level of accuracy.

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

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