Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-11

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 9.0)

The three pie charts illustrate the average proportions of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar contained in typical meals consumed in the USA, divided into breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

Overall, dinner accounts for the largest proportion of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks are the main source of added sugar. Breakfast contributes the smallest or joint-smallest percentage for all three nutrients.

Regarding sodium, dinner represents the highest proportion at 43%, followed by lunch at 29%. Breakfast and snacks each account for just 14%. A similar pattern can be seen for saturated fat, with dinner again making up the largest share at 37%, while lunch contributes 26%. Snacks account for 21%, and breakfast has the lowest figure, at 16%.

The distribution of added sugar is noticeably different. Snacks constitute the largest proportion, at 42%, which is almost twice the figure for dinner, at 23%. Lunch accounts for 19%, while breakfast contributes 16%, making it the smallest source of added sugar.

In summary, dinner is the major contributor to sodium and saturated fat, while snacks contain by far the greatest proportion of added sugar.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all the key features of the charts, including the main trends and the significant differences between the nutrients. Your overview is clear and effectively highlights the primary distinction between dinner as a source of sodium and saturated fat versus snacks as the main source of added sugar. You have supported your summary with accurate data points from the charts, such as the 43% for sodium at dinner and the 42% for snacks regarding added sugar. The comparison is logical and well-structured, ensuring the reader understands the relative proportions across the different meal types. You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You have used an effective structure, starting with an introduction, followed by a concise overview, and then two body paragraphs that group the information logically by nutrient type. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Regarding', 'A similar pattern', and 'In summary' are used naturally to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and each sentence follows logically from the previous one. The flow of information is smooth, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive phrasing.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have demonstrated a strong command of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. You used precise terms such as 'proportions', 'contributes', 'constitute', and 'distribution' effectively. The language is natural and sophisticated, allowing for clear and concise reporting of the data. There are no errors in word choice or collocation. While the vocabulary is standard for this type of task, it is used with high precision and flexibility, which is sufficient to meet the requirements for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentences, such as 'Overall, dinner accounts for the largest proportion of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks are the main source of added sugar.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors. The control over sentence structure is consistent, and the writing is error-free, which demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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