Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-03

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 6.0)

The illustration shows the manufacturing process of deriving sugar from sugar cane.

Overall, the process starts from planting the sugar cane and requires mechanical processing in subsequent stages. Some stages can either require manual labour or machinery.

Firstly, the sugar cane is planted into the soil and becomes ready for harvestation in around 12-18 months. Harvesting can be done in two ways: either by workers handpicking the sugar cane or by specialised harvesting machinery. In the next step, the sugar cane sticks are crushed by a machine with rotating wheels at the side. This process squeezes the liquid out of the sugar cane and separates the juice from the bagasse.

The extracted juice still contains solid impurities, this is why it is filtered using a limestone filters. The clean liquid passes through and the solid remains are trapped. Then the purified juice is heated using fire in an evaporator. Most of the water evaporates and a thick syrup is left behind. The syrup is then spun in circular motion; the centrifugal force separates the crystals from the syrup. The sugar crystals are then stored in huge containers and left for drying and cooling. The end product obtained is sugar.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response effectively covers all stages of the sugar production process, from planting to the final product. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the two methods of harvesting and the key mechanical stages like crushing, filtering, and evaporation. The overview provides a clear summary of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly highlight the most significant comparisons or contrasts, such as the distinction between manual and mechanical harvesting methods, rather than just listing the steps sequentially. Overall, the information is accurate and well-presented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a brief overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. You use transition signals like 'Firstly', 'In the next step', and 'Then' to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the stages of production. To improve, try to vary your cohesive devices; currently, the progression is quite linear. Using more sophisticated referencing or linking phrases would enhance the flow and make the connections between stages feel more natural and less mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using technical terms like 'bagasse', 'evaporator', and 'centrifugal force' correctly. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'harvestation', which is not standard English (the noun is 'harvesting'). Additionally, 'limestone filters' should be 'limestone filter' or 'limestone filters' depending on the context, but the phrasing is slightly awkward. Overall, your vocabulary is adequate for the task, but incorporating more precise collocations would elevate the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow. There are a few minor grammatical errors, such as the comma splice in 'The extracted juice still contains solid impurities, this is why it is filtered...', which should be two separate sentences or joined with a semicolon. Another minor error is 'using a limestone filters', where the article 'a' does not agree with the plural noun. Despite these slips, the errors do not impede communication, and your control of grammar is generally solid.

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