Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-27

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 presented pie charts enumerates the average percentages in typical meals of three type of nutrients in the USA. The data is calibrated in the percentage of total nutrients.

It is conspicuous that sodium should be taken 14% in snacks. Furthermore, it is the same ratio which should we kept in our diet. It surged around 29 percent in the lunch and it also swelled 43 percent in the dinner, which contains the highest amount in the day.

It can be observed that saturated fat should be taken 26 percent in the lunch, which was containing the second maximum number of whole day. Moreover, it is apparently seen that we should take 16% saturated fat in the breakfast. it increased by 21 percent in snacks. We can see that 37 percent saturated fat eat in the dinner.

As the charts show that we should take 23 percent added sugar in meal which was taken in the end of the day. It decreased by 19% in the lunch, and it was plunged by 16 percent in the breakfast. It is also noticeable that 42% added sugar is eaten by us in snacks. A close inspection of the graph indicates that it had a significant upturn in snacks.

Overall, it is quite evident that sodium and saturated fat contains the highest proportion in the whole day, expect added sugar. While breakfast can be consider as the lowest amount of three nutrients. Lunch is the second highest nutrient, which should we take during day.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.5
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying key trends for sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, cohesive overview. While the data is generally accurate, the comparison between categories is occasionally confusing, such as the statement that 'sodium and saturated fat contains the highest proportion... expect added sugar.' The summary lacks a strong synthesis of the data, and some figures are described in a way that makes the comparison difficult to follow. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview clearly highlights the most significant differences and similarities across all three nutrients rather than listing them individually.

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 sometimes awkward or repetitive. Phrases like 'It is conspicuous that' and 'A close inspection of the graph indicates' are used, but the logical flow between sentences is occasionally interrupted by grammatical errors. Referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly in the final paragraph where the summary of the data becomes muddled. The progression of ideas is present but could be smoother; improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would significantly enhance the coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'calibrated in the percentage' instead of 'measured in percentages' and 'swelled' or 'plunged' used incorrectly to describe static data points. The vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, relying on basic verbs to describe the data. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations for describing trends and proportions, such as 'account for,' 'constitute,' or 'represent,' and ensure that the terminology used to describe the charts is accurate and contextually appropriate.

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. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('sodium and saturated fat contains'), incorrect verb forms ('which should we kept'), and awkward phrasing ('which was containing the second maximum number'). Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence construction often feels unnatural. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing data in Task 1. Reducing the frequency of these errors will allow for a more professional and accurate presentation of the information.

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.