Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The three pie charts illustrate the average percentage of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar in breakfast, dinner, lunch and snacks in the USA.

Overall, people in the US consume sodium and saturated mostly in dinner whereas the consumption of sugar is highest while eating snacks.

The detailed analysis of the graphs illustrates a little less than half (43%) of sodium is consumed in dinner alongside lunch which consumes a little less than one-third (29%) of sodium intake. Finally, snacks and breakfast come last both covering 14% of the total percentage.

Similarly, as for saturated fat, a little over one-third (37%) is consumed in dinner alongside lunch which takes up almost a quarter (26%) of the total percentage. Finally, snacks and breakfast come last covering 21% and 16% of the saturated fat intake.

Furthermore, 42% of the total added sugar is consumed while eating snacks after which a little less than a quarter (23%) is eaten in dinner and finally, added sugar is consumed at least in breakfast and lunch containing 16% and 19%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the charts and makes relevant comparisons. You have clearly highlighted the key trends, such as the high consumption of sodium and saturated fat at dinner and the peak of added sugar during snacks. The data is accurately reported, and the overview provides a concise summary of the main patterns. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more integrated rather than listing data point by point. For instance, instead of describing each nutrient in a separate paragraph, you could group them by meal type to create a more analytical comparison across the categories.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs for each nutrient. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' helps guide the reader through the information. However, the paragraphing is slightly repetitive in structure, as each paragraph follows a similar pattern of listing percentages. To improve, try to vary the way you link sentences and ensure that the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is smoother. The referencing is generally clear, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the data, including terms like 'illustrate', 'consumption', 'intake', and 'total percentage'. The vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for an academic report. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more varied and precise lexical items to avoid repetition of phrases like 'a little less than' or 'a little over'. Using more sophisticated synonyms for 'consumed' or 'covered' would demonstrate a wider range and better control over collocation, which is essential for reaching the higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is generally good. There are a few minor issues, such as the phrasing 'consumed at least in breakfast', which is slightly awkward; 'consumed the least' would be more accurate. Additionally, some sentences could be more concise. Overall, the grammar is strong enough that it does not impede communication, and you show a solid grasp of the necessary structures to report data effectively.

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

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