Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-28
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 average percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in USA. All of which may be unhealthy if eaten too much.
The first type of nutrient is sodium. In USA sodium consumed for snacks 14 percent and in breakfast it consumed 14 percent. In lunch, it consumed 29 percent and in dinner it consumed 43 percent larger than the other.
The second type of nutrient is saturated fats. In USA saturated fats consumed for snacks 21percent and in breakfast it consumed 16 percent. In lunch, it consumed 26 percent and in dinner it consumed 37 percent.
The third type of nutrient is added sugar. In USA added sugar consumed for snacks 42 percent and in breakfast it consumed 16 percent. In lunch, it consumed 19 percent and in dinner it consumed 23 percent. In USA average percentage of sodium, saturated fats and added sugar in typical meals consumed.
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 candidate has attempted to address the task by reporting the main percentages for sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars across meals and snacks. The data points cited for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are generally accurate when compared to the visual source data. However, the response lacks a clear overview or summary statement that highlights the overall trends, such as dinners being highest in sodium and saturated fats, while snacks dominate added sugar consumption. Furthermore, the final sentence is repetitive and does not add new value. To reach a higher band, the writer should provide a cohesive overview and synthesize the data more effectively rather than listing figures mechanically meal by meal.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The text is organized into distinct paragraphs for each nutrient type, which provides a basic structure. However, there is a lack of cohesive devices and logical transitions between sentences, making the progression mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'The first type of nutrient is...', 'The second type of nutrient is...', and 'In USA...' are used formulaically in nearly every sentence. Paragraphing is attempted, but the conclusion fails to summarize the data effectively, ending abruptly with a fragmented sentence. To improve, the writer needs to incorporate a wider variety of cohesive markers and ensure smooth logical flow between ideas.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is very basic and repetitive, heavily relying on literal repetition of terms from the prompt, such as 'nutrient', 'sodium', 'saturated fats', and 'added sugar'. Phrases like 'consumed for snacks' and 'consumed in breakfast' are used repeatedly without variation. There is an absence of less common lexical items or synonyms that would demonstrate a broader range. Spelling and basic word formation are generally acceptable, but the lack of lexical flexibility limits the score in this category. To achieve a higher band, the writer should incorporate synonyms and functional reporting verbs.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response relies almost exclusively on simple sentence structures, such as 'In USA sodium consumed for snacks 14 percent and in breakfast it consumed 14 percent.' There are noticeable grammatical errors, particularly missing articles ('in USA' instead of 'in the USA') and awkward passive/active verb choices ('it consumed' instead of 'it was consumed'). Complex structures are rarely attempted, and punctuation errors are present. While the meaning remains mostly clear despite these errors, the lack of syntactic variety and frequent structural awkwardness place this response firmly in the lower-intermediate band.
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.