Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The three pie charts illustrate the average proportions of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar contained in typical meals consumed in the USA.

Overall, dinner contributes the largest proportions of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks are the main source of added sugar. Breakfast consistently accounts for the smallest or joint-smallest share.

Regarding sodium, dinner represents the highest proportion at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. Breakfast and snacks each account for 14%. A similar pattern can be seen for saturated fat, with dinner making up 37%, while lunch, snacks and breakfast contribute 26%, 21% and 16%, respectively.

However, the distribution of added sugar is markedly different. Snacks account for 42%, making them the largest contributor, followed by dinner at 23% and lunch at 19%. Breakfast has the lowest proportion, at just 16%. Thus, while dinner is the principal source of sodium and saturated fat, snacks contribute by far the greatest amount of added sugar.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response7.5
Coherence and Cohesion7.5
Lexical Resource7.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy7.5
Overall7.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses the prompt by summarizing the main features of the three pie charts. You have successfully identified the key trends, such as dinner being the primary source of sodium and saturated fat, while snacks dominate added sugar intake. The comparisons between categories are accurate and well-supported by the data provided. The overview is clear and effectively synthesizes the information, meeting all requirements for a high-level summary. No significant information is omitted, and the data is presented in a logical, analytical manner that directly answers the task instructions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overall summary, and the detailed breakdown of the nutrients. Cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'A similar pattern', 'However', and 'Thus' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows smoothly from one point to the next. The use of referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the comparisons made between the different meal types.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. Phrases like 'illustrate the average proportions', 'consistently accounts for', and 'markedly different' show a level of sophistication. The terminology used to describe the data is accurate and varied. While the vocabulary is effective, it could be slightly more ambitious to reach the highest band; however, it is precise and conveys the intended meaning without any errors. The word choices are natural and fit the context of reporting statistical data well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing displays a high level of grammatical accuracy with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The use of participial phrases ('making them the largest contributor') and comparative structures is handled correctly. Punctuation is used accurately throughout the text. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over complex structures is consistent. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication, and the overall tone is professional and well-suited to the task requirements.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.