Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-23

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 6.5)

The given pie charts illustrate the proportions of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar in typical meals in the USA, all of which can be harmful when consumed in excess.

Overall, sodium accounted for the highest proportion in dinner, while added sugar represented the largest share in snacks. In addition, all three nutrients accounted for equal proportions in breakfast.

In dinner, sodium made up 43%, which was the highest figure among all three nutrients and meals. This was followed by saturated fat and added sugar, at 37% and 23%, respectively. By contrast, added sugar constituted the largest proportion in snacks, at 42%, whereas saturated fat and sodium accounted for 21% and 12%, respectively.

In lunch, sodium and saturated fat represented relatively similar proportions, at 29% and 26%, respectively. Added sugar accounted for a slightly lower proportion, at 19%. Furthermore, all three nutrients contributed equally to breakfast.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully identifies and reports the main features of the charts, providing an overview and comparing the proportions of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar across different meals. Key data points are correctly cited, such as dinner having the highest sodium content at 43% and snacks having the highest added sugar at 42%. However, there is a minor data inaccuracy in the third paragraph where sodium in snacks is stated as 12% instead of the actual 14%. Additionally, the word count is 146 words, which falls slightly short of the 150-word minimum requirement. This minor under-length and the slight data slip prevent a higher score, placing the response firmly at Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. An introductory paragraph is followed by an overview paragraph, and then body paragraphs detailing specific meals. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the data, such as phrases like 'Overall', 'In addition', 'By contrast', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each meal or group of meals given its own logical space. Referencing is clear throughout, and the essay flows well, fulfilling the descriptors for a Band 7.0 in coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary adequate for the task, successfully utilizing terms related to data reporting such as 'proportions', 'constituted', 'represented', and 'accounted for'. There are appropriate attempts at less common vocabulary ('excess', 'respectively'). Word choice and collocation are generally accurate, although there is a slight error in the phrasing 'In dinner' instead of 'For dinner'. The vocabulary supports clear communication without impeding the reader, aligning well with the Band 7.0 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms effectively, demonstrating good control over sentence structures. Examples include complex comparative structures such as 'which was the highest figure among all three nutrients and meals' and 'whereas saturated fat and sodium accounted for...'. Grammatical accuracy is quite high with a frequent number of error-free sentences, though minor prepositional awkwardness ('In dinner') appears. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The grammatical range and control of error clearly meet the standard for a Band 7.0.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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