Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-20
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 bar chart illustrate the proportion in the meals of sodium, Saturated fat, and Added sugar in typical meals consumed in the USA all of which may be not good for health if eaten to much.
Overall, it is evident that Sodium meals consumed in the USA represented highest proportion in dinner, while lunch in Added sugar least common.
In sodium, Breakfast meal consumed in USA stood at 43% which largest percentage from other three meal, while lunch accounted for 29%. In contrast, Breakfast, and snacks made up 14%. Furthermore, in Saturated fat Breakfast meal consumed in USA constituted 37% , whereas in lunch it represented 26%. Moreover , in Dinner takes 16%, and in snacks made up 16% respectively.
In added sugar, meal consumed in USA snacks comprised largest percentage 42%, which higher then other male in this group , but in Dinner took 23%., similarly in Lunch represented 19%, and breakfast accounted for 16% respectively.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all three nutrients and provides data for each meal type. However, the reporting is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While the main features are identified, the comparison between categories is limited. The overview provided is brief and could be more effectively integrated to highlight the most significant trends, such as the contrast between sodium intake at breakfast versus the high sugar content in snacks. To improve, ensure that the data is grouped logically to facilitate comparison rather than listing figures for each nutrient in isolation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and occasionally mechanical (e.g., 'In sodium', 'In added sugar'). The progression of ideas is clear, but the transition between sentences could be smoother. Some referencing is slightly confusing, such as the use of 'respectively' when the data points do not strictly follow a sequential list. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that pronouns or references clearly point to the intended data would enhance the flow of the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'Added sugar least common' instead of 'the least common' and 'higher then other male' (likely a typo for 'meal'). The range of vocabulary is limited to basic descriptors. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'accounted for', 'constituted', 'peaked at', or 'represented a significant proportion'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('The bar chart illustrate'), missing articles ('represented highest proportion'), and incorrect preposition usage. Sentence structures are relatively simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often contain errors, such as 'Breakfast meal consumed in USA stood at 43% which largest percentage'. These errors occasionally make the text slightly difficult to read. Focusing on basic sentence construction, ensuring correct article usage, and proofreading for subject-verb agreement would significantly improve the accuracy and readability of your writing.
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.