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 pie charts illustrate the average proportion of three different nutrients which can be harmful for health if eaten too much.
Overall, sodium intake is highest during dinner, while breakfast and snacks has lowest sodium consumption. The saturated fat consumption is large in dinner and small in breakfast. Meanwhile, the proportion of added sugar is high in snacks and low in breakfast.
During dinner, the share of sodium and saturated fat is 43% and 37%, respectively, while sugar is consumed low. Sodium is consumed more during dinner. Breakfast includes 14% sodium intake. Similarly, saturated fat and sugar consumption is equal at 16%.
In addition,the percentage of sodium in lunch is 29% , saturated fat is consumed at 26% and sugar intake is 19%. During lunch people consumed large proportion of sodium. Finally during snacks, sodium is consumed 14%, saturated fat 21% and 42% sugar added food which is highest consumption.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features of the three nutrients across the four meal categories. You successfully highlight the highest and lowest values, such as sodium in dinner and sugar in snacks. However, the report is somewhat mechanical, listing data points rather than synthesising them into a more analytical overview. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more fluidly integrated rather than just stating percentages sequentially. For instance, instead of listing values for each meal, group them by nutrient to show trends more clearly. The overview is present but could be more comprehensive in highlighting the most significant trends across all three charts.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use some cohesive devices like 'Meanwhile', 'In addition', and 'Finally' to link ideas. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally repetitive, and some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, but the progression of ideas could be smoother. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus—for example, dedicating one paragraph to sodium and saturated fat, and another to sugar, or grouping by meal types more effectively to avoid a list-like structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to convey the necessary information clearly. You use terms like 'proportion', 'consumption', and 'nutrients' correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on basic descriptors like 'large', 'small', and 'high'. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more precise academic vocabulary such as 'significant', 'minimal', 'substantial', or 'predominant'. Additionally, ensure correct collocations; for example, 'sugar added food' is slightly awkward and would be better phrased as 'foods high in added sugar'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('breakfast and snacks has', 'people consumed large proportion') and missing articles ('is consumed 14%'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on consistent subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles before nouns. Additionally, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or relative clauses, to enhance the sophistication of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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