Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-15

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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the production of making sugar from sugarcane.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, beginning with growing sugarcane and ending with ready-to-use sugar. It is a linear process that demonstrates how sugar is produced from sugarcane.

Initially, sugarcane is grown for approximately 12-18 months until it is fully cultivated. It is then harvested either manually by labourers or mechanically using specialised machinery. Following this, the harvested cane is fed into a crushing machine, where it is pressed to extract the juice. After that, collected juice is filtered through limestone filter.

Following this, purified juice is heated in an evaporator, causing the water to evaporate and the liquid to become thicker syrup. The thicker syrup is then transferred to a centrifuge, where it is separated into sugar crystals and the remaining liquid. Afterwards, the sugar crystals are dried and cooled before the final product is obtained. Finally, the processed sugar is ready for use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the process, from the initial cultivation of sugarcane to the final product. The overview is clear, identifying the linear nature of the process and the number of stages involved. However, the response could be improved by highlighting key comparisons or groupings, such as the distinction between manual and mechanical harvesting, or the transformation of the raw material into a refined product. While all steps are mentioned, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a more analytical approach to the data presented, which is necessary for a higher band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, following the chronological order of the process. Paragraphing is used, though the essay could benefit from a more distinct separation between the initial preparation stages and the subsequent refining stages. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Following this', and 'Afterwards' are used effectively to guide the reader through the process. However, the flow is occasionally slightly repetitive in its reliance on similar transition phrases. Overall, the information is presented in a clear, coherent manner that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, with terms like 'cultivated', 'specialised machinery', 'evaporator', and 'centrifuge' used correctly. There is a sufficient range to describe the process accurately. However, there are minor issues with word choice and phrasing, such as 'production of making sugar', which is redundant. To reach a higher band, the student should aim for more sophisticated collocations and avoid minor errors in word formation. The vocabulary is adequate to convey the meaning clearly without any significant ambiguity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. For example, the use of passive voice is appropriate for a process description (e.g., 'sugarcane is grown', 'juice is filtered'). There are occasional minor slips, such as the slightly awkward opening phrase. The control of punctuation and sentence structure is generally good, providing a stable foundation for the reader to understand the technical process described.

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

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