Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-14

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 8.0)

The pie charts illustrate the average proportions of three unhealthy nutrients—sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar—found in four typical types of daily meals consumed in the United States.Overall, dinner contains the highest percentages of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks account for the largest share of added sugar. Conversely, breakfast consistently contributes the least to the daily intake of all three components.Looking first at sodium and saturated fat, a similar pattern can be observed. Dinner is the main contributor, accounting for 43% of sodium and 37% of saturated fat. Lunch is the second largest source, responsible for 29% of sodium and 26% of saturated fat. Snacks and breakfast contribute equally to sodium intake at 14% each. However, for saturated fat, snacks are slightly higher at 21%, while breakfast makes up the remaining 16%.In terms of added sugar, the distribution changes significantly. Snacks contain by far the largest amount at 42%. Dinner is the next largest source at 23%, followed closely by lunch at 19%. Meanwhile, breakfast accounts for the smallest proportion, contributing just 16% to the total added sugar intake

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully satisfies the requirements of Academic Writing Task 1. The student provides a clear and accurate overview of the four charts, effectively highlighting the main trends and making insightful comparisons between the three nutrients and four meal types. For example, the student notes that 'dinner contains the highest percentages of sodium and saturated fat, whereas snacks account for the largest share of added sugar.' Specific numerical data, such as '43% of sodium' and '42%' for added sugar in snacks, are accurately selected and integrated to support the descriptions. There are no significant omissions or inaccuracies, demonstrating a well-developed response that covers all parts of the task appropriately.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. The essay begins with an effective introductory summary before breaking down the charts into logical groupings: sodium and saturated fat are discussed together due to their similar distribution, followed by a separate paragraph for added sugar. Cohesive devices such as 'Conversely,' 'Looking first at,' and 'In terms of' are managed well to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the visual information. Referencing is clear throughout, ensuring the information flows smoothly without confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for describing statistical data. Vocabulary such as 'proportions,' 'contributor,' 'distribution,' and 'proportion' are used accurately and naturally. The writer also employs less common functional phrases like 'consistently contributes the least' and 'changes significantly' with good control of collocation and style. Word choice is precise throughout the response, and there are no spelling or lexical errors that impede communication. The use of vocabulary allows the information to be conveyed succinctly and formally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide range of sentence structures, combining complex forms—such as participial phrases ('whereas snacks account for...'), subordinate clauses ('while breakfast makes up...'), and introductory adverbials—with simple comparative sentences. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and grammatical control is strong throughout. Minor punctuation is handled correctly, and verb tenses are consistent and appropriate for describing statistical data presented in charts. The high degree of structural variety and accuracy strongly aligns with the descriptor for a high band.

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