Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-20
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 pie charts illustrate the average proportion of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in america.
Overall, most of people in usa consumed dinner had more in three types of nutrients,also fewer people used sodium in snacks, and breakfast had less saturated fat , moreover sugars used mostly in snacks.
Sodium usage mostly higher at dinner and 14% add in snacks same as breakfast, while 29% sodium added in lunch. However, saturated fat mostly used at dinner and lowest usage in breakfast while lunch had 26% and snacks had medium percentage use .
Snacks had more sugars around 42%, next breakfast had fewer usage sugar likely 16%, also at dinner medium usuage 23% , and last in lunch only 19% sugar added.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to summarize the main features of the four pie charts regarding sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars. However, the candidate fails to meet the minimum length requirement of 150 words, coming in at 126 words. While key data points are mentioned, such as the highest sodium at dinner (43%) and highest added sugar in snacks (42%), some comparisons are vague and informal, such as 'medium percentage use'. To achieve a higher band, the response must meet the word count requirement and present a more fully developed, accurate comparison of all categories without relying on colloquial expressions.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into an introduction, an overview paragraph, and body details, showing an attempt at logical structure. However, paragraphing is underdeveloped, and cohesive devices are repetitive, mechanical, or misused (e.g., 'also', 'moreover', 'while'). The overall progression of ideas feels disjointed because sentences are crammed with multiple clauses that lack smooth transitions. For instance, the transition from sodium to saturated fats and sugars is abrupt. Referral and substitution are weak, resulting in sentences that require re-reading to understand the intended comparisons.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is relatively basic and repetitive, utilizing simple terms like 'mostly', 'usage', and 'fewer'. There are noticeable lexical and collocation errors, such as 'fewer people used sodium' instead of intake or consumption, and 'add in snacks' instead of found in snacks. Less common vocabulary is attempted with limited success ('percentage use', 'medium usage'). Furthermore, capitalization rules for proper nouns like 'america' and 'usa' are ignored throughout the response, which detracts from the overall lexical control.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The text displays a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying heavily on simple sentences and awkward coordination with conjunctions like 'and' and 'while'. There are frequent grammatical errors and missing words, such as 'most of people in usa consumed dinner had more in three types of nutrients' and 'breakfast had less saturated fat , moreover sugars used mostly in snacks.' Punctuation is also poorly managed, with spaces before commas and periods. Complex structures, where attempted, are frequently faulty or lack necessary articles and prepositions.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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