Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-28
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 pie charts compared the average proportions of various kinds of nutrients in typical meals, all of which may be unhealthy if consumed in larger quantities.
Overall, the average percentage of sodium for dinner and lunch is highest than others, whereas the proportion of added sugar for snacks is higher and proportion for breakfast is same in saturated fat and added sugar.
The pie charts show the average proportions of nutrients for breakfast is higher in sodium including 43%, whereas it is 37% for saturated fat and 23% for added sugar. Meanwhile, the average percentages for lunch varies, as it is 19% for added sugar and 26% for fat, while 29% for sodium still highest among all.
On the other hand, the average percentages for snacks is 42% for added sugar which is higher than others, whereas it is 21% in fat and 14% in sodium relatively than others. For dinner, sodium is higher among all.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the charts, but the analysis is inconsistent and contains factual inaccuracies. For example, you state that sodium for breakfast is 43%, whereas the chart indicates 43% for dinner. Additionally, the comparison of 'lunch' and 'dinner' is confusingly presented, and some data points are misread. While you attempt to identify trends, the lack of precision in reporting the data prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure that you double-check the figures against the visual data and group your information more logically to highlight the most significant differences and similarities between the meal types.
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 sometimes mechanical or inaccurate, such as the phrase 'relatively than others', which does not function correctly as a transition. The logical progression between sentences is occasionally hindered by unclear referencing, particularly when comparing the different nutrients across meals. While the overall arrangement is coherent, the flow of information is disrupted by these issues, making the relationship between the data points less clear than it should be in a high-scoring response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportions', 'nutrients', and 'consumed'. However, there are errors in word choice and collocation that limit the precision of your writing. For instance, 'highest than others' is grammatically incorrect; the correct comparative form is 'higher than the others'. Additionally, the phrase 'proportion for breakfast is same in saturated fat and added sugar' is awkward. Expanding your vocabulary to include more precise comparative language and ensuring correct collocations would significantly improve your lexical score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the average percentages for lunch varies') and incorrect comparative structures (e.g., 'highest than others'). Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence construction often feels repetitive. To reach a higher band, focus on eliminating basic errors in comparative forms and ensuring that your verb tenses and subject-verb agreements are consistent throughout the report.
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.