Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The three pie charts compare the average proportions of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar contained in four types of meals consumed in the USA: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

Overall, dinner accounts for the largest proportion of sodium and saturated fat consumption, whereas snacks are the main source of added sugar. Breakfast consistently contributes the smallest share of these three nutrients.

Dinner makes up 43% of sodium intake, considerably more than lunch at 29%. Breakfast and snacks each account for 14%. A similar pattern can be seen for saturated fat, with dinner again having the highest proportion at 37%, followed by lunch at 26%. Snacks contribute 21%, while breakfast represents the smallest share, at 16%.

The distribution of added sugar is noticeably different. Snacks are responsible for the largest proportion, at 42%, almost twice the figure for dinner, which accounts for 23%. Lunch contributes 19%, while breakfast has the lowest percentage, at 16%.

In summary, dinner is the principal source of sodium and saturated fat in typical American meals, while added sugar is consumed predominantly through snacks.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified and reported the main features of the charts, providing a clear overview and supporting your points with accurate data. You have made relevant comparisons, such as noting that dinner is the primary source for two nutrients while snacks dominate the third. The information is well-selected and covers all parts of the prompt effectively. The structure is logical, and the data is presented clearly without unnecessary repetition. You have fully addressed the requirements of the task by summarizing the key trends and highlighting the differences between the nutrient categories.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, the detailed breakdown of sodium and saturated fat, and the specific analysis of added sugar. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'whereas', 'a similar pattern', and 'in summary', which help the reader follow the argument smoothly. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the data. The flow between sentences is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive phrasing.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'consistently contributes', 'principal source', and 'consumed predominantly' show a high level of control. The vocabulary is precise and fits the context of describing statistical data well. While the range is sufficient and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms for 'highest' or 'lowest' (such as 'peak' or 'minimal') could further enhance the lexical variety. Overall, the language is natural and error-free.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The grammar is highly accurate throughout the response. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, with no noticeable errors. Punctuation is used correctly, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the clarity of your writing is excellent. You have demonstrated the ability to handle complex information with ease, maintaining a formal and academic tone throughout the entire piece.

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

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