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 charts present a comparison of the average percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in USA, all of which may be unhealthy if eaten too much.
Overall, it is readily apparent that sodium and saturated fats were the largest proportion consumed by individual at their dinner whereas added sugar showed largest share in snacks. While, in breakfast people consumed smallest sodium, saturated fat and added sugar.
In dinner, individuals consumed largest proportion of sodium and saturated fat which is 43% and 37% respectively while added sugar recorded the highest percentage in snacks with 42%. Moreover, In lunch sodium accounted for 29% while saturated fat and added sugar were 26% and 19% respectively.
The figure for lunch recorded the smallest proportion in meals of three types of nutrients(sodium 14%, saturated fat 16% and added sugar 16%.).
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying the highest and lowest values for each nutrient. However, the response is under the 150-word minimum, which limits the depth of the analysis. While the main trends are identified, the comparison between categories could be more detailed. The final paragraph contains a factual error, as it claims lunch had the smallest proportions, which contradicts the data provided in the charts (breakfast is the lowest). This inaccuracy in reporting data significantly impacts the task achievement score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'While', 'Moreover', and 'In dinner' are used to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally mechanical, and the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, but the final sentence is confusing due to the factual error mentioned previously, which disrupts the logical progression of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'consumed', and 'accounted for'. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. There are minor issues with word choice, such as 'individual' instead of 'individuals' and 'smallest sodium' instead of 'the lowest levels of sodium'. The use of vocabulary is functional but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band score. More sophisticated collocations related to data description would improve the quality of the writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'consumed by individual' (should be 'individuals'), 'recorded the highest percentage in snacks' (missing 'the'), and 'smallest proportion in meals of three types of nutrients'. Punctuation is generally acceptable, though there are minor issues with spacing and bracket usage. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. A greater variety of error-free complex structures is needed.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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