Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The three pie charts compares the average proportions of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars - nutrients that maybe harmful if taken excessively across meals in the USA.

Overall, dinner makes up the largest amounts of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks contributes the largest share of added sugar. Moreover, the charts show that sodium and saturated fat follow similar pattern across meals while added sugar is distributed quite differently.

When it comes to sodium, dinner contributes the highest proportion accounting for 43%, making it the primary source of sodium intake. Lunch ranks the second at about over a quarter share while snacks and breakfast accounts identically 14% share, making them the least lowest fiures.

One the one hand, saturated fat follows the same patter with dinner as the main source at 37%, followed by lunch representing 26% share. The third source is the snacks representing 21%, while breakfast ranks last contributing only 16%.

Regarding the added sugar, the distribution differs considerably. Snacks represent the largest proportion by a wide margin, at 42%. Dinner constitutes 23% while lunch and snacks make up 19% and 16% respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all key features of the charts and provides a clear overview. You successfully identified the main trends, such as dinner being the primary source of sodium and saturated fat, and snacks being the main source of added sugar. Comparisons are made throughout, which is essential for Task 1. However, there is a factual error in the final paragraph: you stated 'lunch and snacks make up 19% and 16% respectively', but the chart shows lunch at 19% and breakfast at 16%. Additionally, you repeated 'snacks' twice in that sentence, which slightly impacts the clarity of the data reporting. Overall, the information is well-selected and logically presented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'When it comes to', and 'On the one hand' to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and there is a minor error in referencing where you mention 'lunch and snacks' for the added sugar category, despite snacks already being the subject of the previous sentence. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different nutrients, which helps the reader follow the comparison. The progression of ideas is generally smooth, though the minor data confusion in the final paragraph slightly disrupts the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportions', 'excessively', and 'distributed'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'least lowest figures', which is redundant, and 'patter' instead of 'pattern'. You also have a slight repetition of 'share' and 'contributes'. To reach a higher band, try to vary your verbs and nouns more consistently (e.g., 'account for', 'comprise', 'constitute', 'make up'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as subject-verb agreement errors ('The three pie charts compares', 'snacks contributes') and minor punctuation or phrasing issues ('at about over a quarter share'). While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. You have attempted some complex structures, but the accuracy is inconsistent. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that your comparative structures are grammatically sound. Most of your sentences are understandable, but the frequency of these minor errors prevents a higher score.

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

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