Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
The three bar charts illustrate the average proportion in standard meals of three types of nutrients in the United States of America.
Overall, in terms of dinner, all three nutrients have a high percentage in it as opposed to other meals. The percentage of all nutrients is low in the breakfast meal.
According to the lunch figures, the percentage of sodium is less than 30%, which is highest as compared to other nutrients while the percentage of saturated fat is just above 25% and the percentage of added sugar is below 20%. In the snacks, the proportion of sodium is nearly 15% which is lower than others while saturated fat is above 20% and added sugar is 42% which is higher than others.
Regarding breakfast, sodium is 14% which is lower than others while the percentage of both saturated fat and added sugar is 16%, respectively. With regards to dinner, the percentage of sodium is much higher than other nutrients which is under 50% while the saturated fat is 37% and the proportion of added sugar is 23% which is the lowest in the dinner meal.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features of the three nutrients across four meal types. You successfully highlighted the key trends, such as the high levels of nutrients at dinner and the specific dominance of added sugar in snacks. However, the report is somewhat descriptive and lacks a more analytical approach to comparing the data points. While you mention that sodium is 'highest as compared to other nutrients' in lunch, the comparison could be more precise by explicitly contrasting the values. To reach a higher band, ensure that the 'main features' are clearly synthesised rather than just listing the data for each meal category sequentially.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organised with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs dedicated to specific meals. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'According to', and 'Regarding' helps guide the reader through the information. However, the cohesion is occasionally mechanical, and the transition between sentences could be smoother. For instance, the repetitive use of 'which is' to describe percentages makes the flow feel slightly formulaic. Improving the variety of linking phrases and ensuring that referencing is more varied would enhance the overall coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'nutrients', and 'illustrate' correctly. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly the frequent use of 'percentage' and 'higher/lower than others'. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms or descriptive phrases to avoid redundancy. For example, instead of repeating 'percentage', you could use 'figures', 'proportions', 'levels', or 'intake'. The word choice is generally accurate and does not impede communication, but it lacks the sophistication required for a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the grammar is generally clear, there are some minor inaccuracies and awkward phrasings. For example, 'the percentage of sodium is less than 30%, which is highest as compared to other nutrients' is slightly clunky. Additionally, the phrase 'saturated fat and added sugar is 16%, respectively' is grammatically incorrect because the subject is plural. You should focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and refining the use of relative clauses to improve the overall grammatical control and accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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