Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-12

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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the step-by-step procedure of manufacturing sugar from sugar cane. Overall, the process consists of seven distinct stages, beginning with the agricultural cultivation of sugar cane and culminating in the refining, drying, and cooling of finished sugar crystals.

Initially, sugar cane takes approximately 12 to 18 months to reach maturity. Once fully grown, it is harvested either manually using hand tools or mechanically with heavy equipment. The harvested stalks are then fed into a crushing machine to extract raw cane juice. Following extraction, the liquid passes through a limestone filter, which purifies the juice by removing unwanted solid particles.

In the subsequent stages, the purified juice undergoes heat treatment in an evaporator, transforming it into a thick syrup as excess water evaporates. Next, this syrup is transferred to a centrifuge, where rapid spinning separates the solid sugar crystals from the remaining liquid. Finally, the damp sugar crystals are dried and cooled, producing the refined final product ready for packaging.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the sugar manufacturing process, from cultivation to the final product. You have successfully identified the main features and presented them in a logical, chronological order. The overview is clear and provides a concise summary of the seven stages, which is essential for a high band score. The information is well-selected, and the process is described accurately without unnecessary detail. To reach the highest band, ensure that you explicitly highlight the most significant comparisons or contrasts, such as the two methods of harvesting, to demonstrate a more analytical approach to the data provided in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Initially', 'Following extraction', 'In the subsequent stages', and 'Finally', which guide the reader smoothly through the manufacturing process. Paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction followed by the body of the process. The relationship between the stages is easy to follow, and the use of referencing is precise. The flow of information is natural and logical, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description. Terms such as 'cultivation', 'maturity', 'extract', 'purifies', 'evaporator', and 'centrifuge' are used accurately and in the correct context. The language is precise and contributes to a professional tone. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or less common technical descriptors could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as participial phrases ('beginning with...', 'transforming it into...') and passive voice constructions ('is harvested', 'is transferred'), which are highly appropriate for describing a process. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. There is a good mix of simple and complex forms, demonstrating flexibility. The control over grammar is consistent, and there are no significant errors that distract the reader or affect the clarity of the explanation.

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