Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-05
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 chart demonstrates the average percentage in typical meals of three kinds of nutrients, all which may have bad impact on health if consumed in excess.
The three nutrients include sodium, saturated fat and added sugar. The chart describes their proportion in four types of meal which are: breakfast, dinner, lunch and snacks.
The proportion is almost same for all three nutrients in breakfast. Then comes the time of lunch and the proportion rises to a high level for both sodium and saturated fat but has a minor change in added sugar. Then comes snacks in which there is excess of added sugar and a lower amount of saturated fat and lowest amount of sodium. In dinner, the Sodium rises to peak level, Saturated fat at second number and last one is added sugar.
In the breakfast, these three are around 14-16% and when it comes of lunch the amount of sodium and saturated fat is almost equal 26-29% but added sugar remains at 19%. IN SNACKS THE ADDED SUGAR IS 42% and the other both are less. For dinner, the sodium is highest of 43% and then comes saturated fat for 37% and last one is added sugar.
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 four meal types. You have successfully highlighted key trends, such as the peak of sodium at dinner and the high sugar content in snacks. However, the analysis is somewhat descriptive rather than analytical. To reach a higher band, ensure you group data more effectively to facilitate comparisons rather than listing figures chronologically. For instance, grouping the nutrients by their highest and lowest points across the day would provide a more sophisticated overview. The summary is clear, but the overall reporting could be more concise to avoid repetitive phrasing.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Then comes...', 'Then comes...'). The transition between sentences could be smoother; for example, using linking words like 'In contrast' or 'Conversely' would better highlight the differences between the meals. While the progression of ideas is logical, the reliance on simple sentence structures and repetitive starters limits the flow. Improving the variety of cohesive links would significantly enhance the readability and coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main points, such as 'proportion', 'consumed in excess', and 'peak level'. However, the vocabulary is somewhat basic and occasionally imprecise, such as 'bad impact' instead of 'detrimental effect' or 'second number' instead of 'second highest'. There are also minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'the proportion is almost same' (missing 'the'). To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'fluctuate', 'account for', or 'predominate'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as missing articles ('the proportion is almost same'), incorrect preposition usage ('comes of lunch'), and capitalization issues ('IN SNACKS THE ADDED SUGAR IS 42%'). These errors do not impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Increasing the variety of complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or participial phrases, would also help demonstrate better grammatical control.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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