Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-26

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 chart illustrates the average percentage in three types of meal of nutrients which are Sodium, Saturated fat, Added sugar consumed in the USA during 4 time meals a day.

Overall, it can be seen that sodium is consume more during the dinner. It can also be seen that Saturated fat is also highly after the sodium in the dinner meals. And during the Snacks people are having more Added sugar.

The proportion of people consuming sodium in their meals are during the dinner period which is at 43% but the least they are taking it is on breakfast and snacks which is at 14%. The Saturated fats is more available in the dinner meal by 37% and the less amount is on breakfast at 16%.

Added sugar is mostly available on lunch almost around 42%, similarly dinner meals also contains 23% of the added sugar and the lowest they are is in breakfast. All of them are unhealthier if it is eaten more than it's required.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying the key trends for sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and contains inaccuracies. For instance, you state that added sugar is mostly available at lunch at 42%, but the chart shows snacks as the highest category for added sugar. Additionally, the description of the data is repetitive, and the comparison between categories could be more sophisticated. To improve, ensure you carefully cross-reference the data points with the labels and focus on highlighting the most significant differences or similarities rather than listing percentages for every category.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally inaccurate. Phrases like 'It can also be seen that' are used repetitively, which limits the flow of the text. Furthermore, the transition between the introduction and the body paragraphs is abrupt. To improve, try using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas more fluidly, such as 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' or 'Regarding the consumption of...'.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and range required for a higher band. There are several awkward collocations and word choice errors, such as 'sodium is consume more' (should be 'consumed') and 'the less amount is on breakfast' (should be 'the lowest amount'). The repetition of basic verbs like 'is' and 'are' makes the writing feel simplistic. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary, such as 'account for,' 'constitute,' or 'predominate,' and ensure correct word forms are used.

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. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('sodium is consume'), incorrect preposition usage, and awkward phrasing ('the lowest they are is in breakfast'). While the meaning is generally understandable, these errors are persistent throughout the text. To improve, pay closer attention to verb tenses and sentence construction. Practicing the correct use of articles and prepositions will also help to increase the accuracy of your writing.

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

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