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 diagram illustrate that preportion in meals of various nutrients, in which it can be harmful if eaten too much.
As per diagram suggests, the average percentages of added sugar and saturated fat used in breakfast was 16% respectively, while sodium shows 14% in meals consumed in the USA. Moreover, average percentages of sodium and saturated fat in lunch was 29% and 26% consecutively, but added sugar was used less compare to sodium and saturated fat.
The charts describe that, average percentages of sodium was used in dinner, which was 43%, while saturated fat and added sugar was 37% and 23% respectively, it shows highest percentage among all charts. What is more, the average percentages of sodium was used in snacks was 14% and saturated fat was 21%, in the intreme added sugar shows highest uses in snacks which was 42%.
Therefore, it can be derived that, sodium and saturated fat is used dinner, while added sugar was 42% in snacks it shows highest percentage among the three nutrients.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying the key nutrients and their proportions across different meal types. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and contains inaccuracies in data reporting. For instance, the claim that sodium was 43% in dinner is correct, but the description of other values is occasionally confusing or lacks precision. The overview is weak, as it merely restates the prompt rather than highlighting the most significant trends, such as the high sodium content in dinner or the dominance of sugar in snacks. To improve, you should focus on grouping the data more logically and providing a clearer summary of the overall patterns rather than listing figures in isolation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'in the intreme' are unclear, and the transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt. The logical progression is hindered by repetitive sentence structures and a lack of varied linking words. While the paragraphing is present, the internal flow within paragraphs could be improved by using more sophisticated referencing and transition signals to connect the data points more fluidly. The final paragraph is particularly weak as it attempts to summarize but ends up repeating information already stated.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'average percentages' and 'used'. There are several errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'preportion' instead of 'proportion' and 'intreme' (which is unclear). The use of 'consecutively' is incorrect in this context; 'respectively' would have been more appropriate. To reach a higher band, you need to demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary related to data description, such as 'account for', 'constitute', 'predominate', or 'a significant proportion'. You should also focus on using precise terminology to describe the trends shown in the charts.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'sodium and saturated fat is used' and 'added sugar was used less compare to'. Punctuation is also problematic, with several run-on sentences and comma splices. While there is an attempt to use complex structures, these are often faulty. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that subjects and verbs agree, and using correct verb tenses. Reducing the number of errors in simple sentences should be your priority before attempting more complex grammatical structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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