Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 given diagram illutrates how sugar cane is went through different processes in order to produce sugar.

Overall, the process is completed in 7 different steps, from growing and harvesting of sugar cane to drying and cooling of the final product, i.e sugar.

Starting from the process where sugar cane plant is grown in the fields for 8 to 12 months, it is then harvested with the help of human labour as well as harvesting machines. Moving further, sugar cane plants now go through crushing from where all the juice is collected.

Next step involves purification of the juice which is done with the help of a limestone filter. After this, the filtered juice is heated on a constant temperature in an evaporator, where this juice becomes syrup. The sixth step involves a centrifuge which helps in separating the sugar crystals from the syrup. In the end, sugar is ready and it is left in containers for drying and cooling.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the sugar production process, from cultivation to the final product. The overview is clear, identifying the seven-step process. However, the report could be improved by highlighting more specific comparisons or key features, such as the dual method of harvesting (manual and mechanical) or the transformation of the juice into syrup. While the main steps are identified, the description is somewhat linear and lacks a more analytical approach to the data provided in the diagram. Nevertheless, the response successfully addresses the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Starting from', 'Moving further', 'Next step', and 'In the end' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is appropriate, separating the introduction/overview from the detailed process steps. The flow of information is smooth, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with accurate use of process-related terms like 'harvesting', 'crushing', 'purification', 'evaporator', and 'centrifuge'. There is a minor spelling error in the first sentence ('illutrates' instead of 'illustrates'). While the range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the information clearly, it lacks the more sophisticated or varied lexical items that would push the score into the higher bands. The language is functional and precise enough for the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'sugar cane is went through' (should be 'sugar cane goes through' or 'is put through') and 'on a constant temperature' (should be 'at a constant temperature'). Despite these errors, the meaning remains clear, and the mistakes do not impede communication. The control of punctuation is generally good, and the sentence structures are varied enough to maintain interest and clarity throughout the description.

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.