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 illustrates the average proportion of typical meals of three kinds of nutrients, all of which may be unhealthy if consumed excessive amount.

Overall, there were three types of nutrients that could be harmful if consumed in excessive amounts in the USA.

To begin with, Sodium had highest consumed at dinner making up 43%. While, it had lowest consumed at breakfast and snacks accounting for 14%. However, it had eaten at lunch represting 29%.

Furthermore, saturated fat had the highest consumption at dinner, constituting 37%. In contrast, breakfast accounted for the lowest proportion, at 16%. However, it represented 26% a consumption at lunch.

On the other hand, added sugar had the highest utilize at snacks making up 42%. In contrast, Breakfast made up the lowest percentage, at 16%. In addition, lunch represented at 19%. However, it accounted for 23% a consumption at dinner.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the charts, but it fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While the key nutrients and their consumption patterns are identified, the analysis is somewhat repetitive and lacks a sophisticated synthesis of the data. For instance, the report lists percentages for each meal type without effectively comparing them across categories to highlight significant trends. The overview is also quite basic. To improve, ensure you meet the length requirement and focus on grouping data points to create a more analytical summary rather than simply listing figures.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into clear paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'On the other hand' are used at the start of every paragraph, which feels formulaic. Additionally, the internal cohesion within paragraphs is weak; for example, the transition 'However, it had eaten at lunch' is grammatically awkward and disrupts the flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that sentences connect logically rather than just listing facts would significantly enhance the coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'had highest consumed' instead of 'had the highest consumption' and 'highest utilize' instead of 'highest usage'. The repetition of basic verbs like 'accounted for' and 'represented' limits the lexical range. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to use more varied collocations and precise terminology related to data description, such as 'constituted the largest share' or 'peaked at'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with verb tense and voice, such as 'it had eaten at lunch' (should be 'it was consumed at lunch') and 'it represented at 19%'. The sentence structures are relatively simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. Errors in article usage and prepositional phrases are also common. To improve, focus on mastering passive voice constructions for describing data and ensure subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text.

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

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