Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-02

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 8.5)

The three pie charts illustrate the average proportions of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar found in typical American meals, broken down across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

Overall, dinner accounts for the largest share of both sodium and saturated fat consumption, while snacks represent the dominant source of added sugar — a notable contrast that stands out across all three charts.

Regarding sodium, dinner contributes the highest proportion at 43%, more than three times the breakfast and snacks figures, which both stand at 14%. Lunch accounts for the remaining 29%. A broadly similar pattern emerges for saturated fat, where dinner again leads at 37%, followed by lunch at 26%, snacks at 21%, and breakfast at the lowest share of 16%.

Added sugar, however, tells a strikingly different story. Snacks account for 42% — by far the largest segment — while dinner, despite dominating the other two nutrients, contributes only 23%. Breakfast and lunch represent comparatively modest proportions of 16% and 19% respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified and reported the main features of the charts, providing a clear overview and supporting your points with accurate data. You made effective comparisons, such as noting that dinner is the primary source for sodium and saturated fat, while snacks dominate added sugar intake. The information is well-selected, and the report is fully developed, meeting all requirements of the task. There is a logical progression from the overview to the specific details of each nutrient, ensuring the reader understands the key trends without unnecessary repetition.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear structure. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by body paragraphs that group the nutrients logically. Cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'A broadly similar pattern', and 'however' are used effectively to guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different categories of nutrients. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the different parts of the data is clearly articulated throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases like 'dominant source', 'strikingly different story', and 'comparatively modest proportions' show a high level of control and stylistic awareness. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for an academic report. There are no spelling errors, and the word choices effectively convey the nuances of the data presented in the charts. You have successfully avoided repetitive language by using varied synonyms and descriptive structures.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use complex sentences effectively, such as the contrastive structure in the second paragraph: 'dinner accounts for the largest share... while snacks represent the dominant source'. Punctuation is handled correctly, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text. The writing is sophisticated and flows naturally.

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

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