Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-06
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 bar chart compares the average percentage of sodium, saturated fats and sugar in typical three meals consumed in USA.
Overall, dinner had the highest figures for both sodium and saturated fat, breakfast had the lowest figures for all three types of nutrients.
Looking first at dinners and snacks, dinners had 43% of sodium and 37% saturated fat and with a small amount of 23% sugar, while the proportion of nutrients in snacks are 42% sugar, followed by 21% saturated fat and 14% sodium.
Regarding breakfast and lunch, the percentage ranges for sodium in breakfast stood at 14%, while 25% for lunch. However, the contribution for fat in both food items were 16% and 26%, while sugar with almost same proportion with 165 and 19%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the analysis. While you have identified the main features and made some comparisons, the under-length nature of the response means the data is not fully explored or synthesized. For example, the final paragraph contains a significant error regarding the data ('165 and 19%'), which suggests a lack of careful proofreading. To improve, ensure you provide a more detailed breakdown of the trends and double-check all numerical data against the source charts to ensure accuracy.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, starting with an overview and moving into specific data comparisons. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical. Transitions like 'Looking first at' and 'Regarding' are functional but basic. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the lack of depth due to the word count constraint makes the overall flow feel abrupt. To reach a higher band, try to use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly into the next, rather than simply listing data points.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision expected at higher bands. You use basic terms like 'figures', 'types', and 'small amount'. While these are accurate, they do not demonstrate a sophisticated command of language. There is also a notable error in the final paragraph ('165'), which is likely a typo but affects the clarity of your report. To improve, incorporate more precise academic vocabulary such as 'proportions', 'consumption', 'variations', or 'constitute' to describe the data more effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are several grammatical errors that hinder the quality of the writing. For instance, 'in typical three meals' should be 'in the three typical meals', and 'the contribution for fat... were' should be 'was' to agree with the singular subject 'contribution'. Additionally, 'sugar with almost same proportion' is missing an article ('the'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and article usage.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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