Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-03
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 charts demonstrate the average ratio in typical meals of three kinds of nutrients, all of which may be not healthy if eaten too much.
In summary, we can say USA intakes the sodium, saturated fat and added sugar in their breakfast. The least they intake is the sodium, saturated fats and added sugar
In breakfast, the ratio of sodium is 14 percent, while saturated fats and added sugar had same 16 percent. In lunch, the ratio of sodium is 29 percent, whereas the percentage of saturated fat is 26 percent which is lower than sodium. The ratio of added sugar in lunch time is just 19 percent.
The ratio of sodium in dinner time is 43 percent that is the most among the all, on the other, hand the ratio of saturated fat in dinner time is 37 percent and added sugar is just 23 percent at dinner. The ratio of sodium in snacks is just 14 percent but the ratio of saturated fat in snacks is 21 percent which is more than the sodium. In Snacks, the percentage of added sugar id 42 percent which is highest in snacks.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the three nutrients and their distribution across four meal types. However, the overview is weak and inaccurate; the statement 'USA intakes the sodium... in their breakfast' is confusing, and the claim that the least intake is 'sodium, saturated fats and added sugar' is contradictory. While the main features are reported, the analysis lacks a clear, cohesive summary of the trends. The data is presented as a list of figures rather than a comparative analysis, which limits the development of the response. To improve, focus on grouping data points to highlight significant trends, such as the dominance of sodium in dinner versus the dominance of added sugar in snacks.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by repetitive sentence structures and awkward transitions. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical, such as the repetitive 'The ratio of... is...'. The second paragraph is particularly disjointed, as it attempts to summarise the data but fails to provide a clear overview. Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the connection between sentences feels forced. To improve, vary your linking words (e.g., 'in contrast', 'furthermore', 'consequently') and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus rather than just listing statistics.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There is significant repetition of phrases like 'the ratio of' and 'in [meal] time'. Some word choices are unnatural, such as 'USA intakes' (which should be 'intake in the USA') and 'not healthy' (which should be 'unhealthy'). The response relies on basic terminology and does not demonstrate the use of less common lexical items or sophisticated collocations. To reach a higher band, try to use synonyms for 'ratio' or 'percentage' and incorporate more precise verbs to describe trends, such as 'constitutes', 'accounts for', or 'predominates'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'all of which may be not healthy' (should be 'may be unhealthy'), 'had same 16 percent' (missing article 'the'), and 'is most among the all' (incorrect superlative structure). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are issues with article usage and preposition choice. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles would significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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