Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-05

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 5.0)

The illustration depicts how sugar is made from sugar cane and shows the manufacturing method step by step.

The 7-step cycle initially involves growing the sugar cane for approximately 12 to 18 months, then harvesting it by various means. The entire method of making sugar ends with the process of centrifugation, which is eventually then dried and cooled in a container.

Step 1 involves growing the sugar canes, that takes around 12 to 18 months to be completed. Once it i fully grown, it can be harvested either mechanically or manually by a tractor or a farmer, respectively. The harvested cane is then crushed in a machine to obtain its juice.

In step 4, The juice is purified in a limestone containing filter. After the filterinprocess , the juice is placed in a machine called

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. The description of the process is incomplete, as the text cuts off abruptly during step 4, leaving out the final stages of the sugar production cycle. While the introduction and the initial steps are described, the failure to complete the summary of the entire process means the task is only partially addressed. To improve, ensure you cover all stages shown in the diagram and provide a clear overview of the entire process from start to finish, ensuring the response meets the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response shows some attempt at logical organization by breaking the process into steps. However, the abrupt ending disrupts the flow of information. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'initially', 'then', and 'once', but the overall structure is undermined by the incomplete nature of the text. Paragraphing is attempted, but the final paragraph is left unfinished, which affects the coherence of the response. To improve, ensure that each step is fully described and that the transition between paragraphs is smooth and complete.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is generally appropriate for describing a process, with terms like 'manufacturing method', 'centrifugation', and 'purified'. However, there are some minor errors such as 'filterinprocess' (spelling) and 'limestone containing filter' (awkward phrasing). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited due to the incomplete nature of the response. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes and ensure accurate spelling and word formation throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'Once it i fully grown' (missing letter) and 'The juice is purified in a limestone containing filter' (punctuation/article usage). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are noticeable. The incomplete sentences at the end of the text also detract from the overall grammatical control. To improve, focus on proofreading for small errors and ensure that all sentences are complete and correctly punctuated.

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

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