Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-29
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 chart here illustrates the average percentages in typical meals of three types of nutrients, of of which may be unhealthy if consumed too much.
The diagram demonstrates an average percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in USA. These circles are divided into 3 categories, one displaying each nutrient and it is dived into 4 sections of meals that is, breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner.
The picture displays that dinner has the highest ratio of sodium and saturated fats and an average amount of added sugar whereas, the quantity of added sugar is on the peak in snacks, while sodium and saturated fats contributes less into snacks. Breakfast has least proportion of the mentioned nutrients. Lunch has average percentage of all of 3 nutrients. The picture clearly explains that people of USA need to reduce the percentage of sodium and saturated in dinner. The USA citizens should also minimize the consumption of added sugar in snacks. Along with this, these people should prefer healthy and balanced died and should reduce the consumption of these 3 nutrients.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses the task by identifying the main features of the charts. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and relies on general observations rather than precise data reporting. For instance, you mention dinner has the 'highest ratio' and snacks have the 'peak' of sugar, but you do not include specific percentages or data points to support these claims. Furthermore, the final paragraph includes personal recommendations ('people of USA need to reduce...'), which is inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. This task requires an objective summary of the data provided, not an opinion or a call to action. To improve, focus on selecting key data points to compare and contrast the nutrients across the four meal types.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by repetitive phrasing and limited use of cohesive devices. While you use some transition words like 'whereas' and 'along with this', the flow between sentences feels mechanical. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the second paragraph where you describe the charts as 'circles' and 'pictures'. Additionally, the paragraphing is somewhat unbalanced, with a very short introduction and a body paragraph that mixes data description with subjective advice. Using a wider range of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear, singular focus would improve the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for higher bands. You use basic terms like 'picture', 'diagram', and 'quantity' repeatedly. There are also some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'dived into' (should be 'divided') and 'balanced died' (should be 'balanced diet'). To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'significant', 'fluctuate', or 'account for'. The current range is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, but it does not demonstrate the flexibility or sophistication expected at a higher level.
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 distract the reader. Examples include 'average percentages of sodium... in USA' (missing article 'the'), 'of of which' (repetition error), and 'sodium and saturated fats contributes' (subject-verb agreement error). While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar and punctuation limit the score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and proofreading for minor slips. Increasing the variety of complex structures while maintaining accuracy will also help raise your score in this criterion.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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