Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-07

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 5.0)

The given pie chart illustrates the average percentage in typical meals of three types of nutrients in the USA all of which may be unhealthy if eaten too much.

Overall, people consumed the largest proportion of dinner in sodium while lunch was second highest consumed in sodium. By contrast, breakfast and snacks became match to each other. Moreover, saturated fat and added sugar in dinner and lunch were decreased whereas snacks and breakfast dramatically increased.

The meals in the USA where sodium became the highest consumed in dinner but declined in saturated fat and added sugar by nearly half of sodium. Throughout the period, breakfast and snacks increased dramatically by a enormous amount.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement. Because the response is only 113 words, the analysis is underdeveloped and lacks the necessary detail to fully report the main features of the charts. While you identified some trends, the description is confusing and does not accurately reflect the data provided in the charts. For example, the claim that breakfast and snacks 'became match to each other' is vague and lacks supporting data. To improve, you must ensure you cover all parts of the task and provide a more comprehensive summary that includes specific data points to support your observations.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay lacks a clear logical progression. While there is an attempt at paragraphing, the ideas within the paragraphs are disjointed and difficult to follow. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes misused, such as the phrase 'By contrast, breakfast and snacks became match to each other,' which does not logically connect to the previous sentence. The referencing is also unclear, making it difficult for the reader to understand which nutrient or meal is being discussed. To improve, focus on using transition words more effectively and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus that flows logically from the previous one.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'increased,' 'decreased,' and 'highest,' which restricts your ability to describe the data with precision. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'became match to each other' and 'by a enormous amount' (which should be 'an enormous amount'). The vocabulary used is sufficient to convey a basic meaning, but it lacks the flexibility and sophistication required for a higher band score. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and adjectives would greatly enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'the largest proportion of dinner in sodium' (which is awkward phrasing) and 'the meals in the USA where sodium became the highest consumed in dinner.' There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. While the meaning is generally discernible, the high frequency of errors in basic sentence construction prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct sentence structure will help improve your accuracy.

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.