Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-31
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 given pie charts depicts the information about average percentage of sodium ,saturated fats and added sugar in typical meals consumed in the USA. The data represented in percentage.
Overall, the highest porportion of sodium in all meals. While the ratio of saturated fat has average in given meals, the percentage of sugar has lowest in all meals.
To begin with, In dinner the highest percentage of sodium with 43% and 37% saturated fat . Whereas the second highest ratio of sodium present in lunch with 29%. Moreover saturated fat 26% in same meal. In snacks and breakfast has remain same percentage of sodium. while in snacks people consume 21% saturated fat and 16% in breakfast.
Moving to further details, The highest percentage of sugar in snacks an least percent of sugar in breakfast with16%. Furthermore the masses consumed 23% sugar in dinner as well as 19% in launch in USA.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying the highest and lowest values for the nutrients across the four meal types. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For example, the statement 'In snacks and breakfast has remain same percentage of sodium' is inaccurate based on the data, and the comparison between meals lacks precision. The overview is present but could be more clearly articulated to highlight the most significant trends, such as the dominance of sodium in dinner. While all parts of the task are addressed, the lack of data accuracy in some areas and the limited synthesis of information prevent a higher score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'Moving to further details' and 'To begin with' are used, but the internal flow between sentences is frequently disjointed. For instance, the transition between discussing sodium and saturated fat within the same paragraph is abrupt. Additionally, the referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track which nutrient is being discussed in relation to which meal. Improved use of linking words and better paragraph unity would enhance the coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'the masses consumed' instead of 'people consumed' or 'the ratio of saturated fat has average'. The student relies on basic terminology and struggles with collocations related to data reporting. Spelling errors, such as 'porportion' and 'launch' (instead of lunch), also occur. To reach a higher band, the student needs to use a wider range of vocabulary to describe trends and proportions more naturally and accurately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('The given pie charts depicts'), missing articles, and incorrect verb tenses ('has remain'). Sentence structures are generally simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors, such as 'While the ratio of saturated fat has average in given meals, the percentage of sugar has lowest in all meals.' Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma placement. A greater focus on basic grammatical accuracy and sentence construction is required to improve this score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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