Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-27

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows the manufacturing process for making sugar from sugar cane.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

How sugar is produced from sugar cane

Student answer (Band 7.0)

The diagram below shows the manufacturing process for making sugar from sugar cane.

Overall, there are many steps which take place until finally sugar is made from sugar cane.

First, sugar cane is grown for 12 to 18 months until it is ready to be harvested. After that, the crop is harvested either by machine or by hand. Next, the harvested sugar cane is crushed to extract the juice.

After the juice is collected, it is purified by passing it through a limestone filter. The clean juice is then heated in an evaporator, where the water is removed and the juice becomes syrup.

In the next stage, the syrup is placed in a centrifuge, which separates the sugar crystals from the remaining liquid. Finally, the sugar crystals are dried and cooled, and the finished sugar is ready for use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the sugar production process, from cultivation to the final product. However, the response is 139 words long, which falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement. This under-length impacts the development of the response, as it lacks a more detailed overview or a concluding summary that synthesizes the process more effectively. While the key steps are identified, the lack of length prevents a fully developed response. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview that highlights the transformation stages and ensure you meet the minimum word count to allow for full development of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial growth stage to the final packaging. Each paragraph focuses on a distinct phase of the process, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After that', 'Next', and 'In the next stage' are used effectively to link the sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is appropriate for a process description. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more varied cohesive devices to improve the flow between sentences and avoid a slightly mechanical feel in the transition between steps.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary used is accurate and appropriate for describing a technical process. Terms like 'harvested', 'crushed', 'purified', 'evaporator', and 'centrifuge' are used correctly in context. The range is sufficient for the task, though it remains somewhat limited to the specific terminology provided in the diagram. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated synonyms or descriptive phrases to enhance the lexical variety. For example, instead of repeating 'sugar cane' or 'juice', you could use more varied referencing to maintain interest and demonstrate a broader command of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar, with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The use of passive voice—such as 'sugar cane is grown', 'is harvested', and 'is purified'—is highly appropriate for a process description and is handled accurately throughout. Punctuation is generally correct, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. To achieve a higher band, you could experiment with more complex sentence structures, such as combining steps using relative clauses or participle phrases to show a more sophisticated grasp of English grammar.

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