Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-16

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 5.5)

The diagram below illustrates the manufacturing process for making sugar from sugar cane.

Overall, there are seven different steps that use to make the sugar. Sugar canes were growing then harvesting process was done with two step and then crushing and make juice. Moreover, clean the juice and then heated and then centrifuge and at last drying and cooling.

First of all, manufacturing process of sugar is done with the help of numerous steps. The number 1 step is growing of sugar cane. This field would grow at least 12-18 months, after these required months this field is completely grow. Second step is harvesting, the harvesting process is complete by two different category. Harvesting by the help of mechanic and by worker.

Furthermore, 3 step is crushing, in this step the sugar cane is passing though the mechanic. And mechanic produced the juice of sugar cane. And then this juice is passing though the limestone filter that use to purifying this juice.

Moreover, this filter juice becomes syrup and heated, then evaporation process start that remove the bacteria from juice. And then 6 step is centrifugal that separating sugar crystals from syrup. Last step is Drying and cooling, in this step sugar completely manufactured.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the sugar production process, from growing to drying. However, the overview is weak; it simply states there are seven steps without highlighting the key features or the transformation of the raw material. The description of the process is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, logical flow between stages. While the main steps are identified, the explanation of the 'limestone filter' and 'evaporation' is slightly inaccurate or under-developed. To improve, ensure the overview synthesizes the process rather than just listing steps, and focus on describing the transformation of the sugar cane into the final product more precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence. However, the use of cohesive devices is often repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'First of all', 'Furthermore', 'Moreover'). The transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as 'This field would grow' or 'This filter juice'. The progression of ideas is present but lacks the sophistication required for a higher band. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that pronouns clearly refer back to the previous noun would significantly enhance the flow of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There is a reliance on basic verbs like 'make', 'grow', and 'pass'. Phrases such as 'mechanic produced the juice' are inaccurate, as 'mechanic' refers to a person, not a machine. The use of technical terms like 'centrifugal' and 'evaporation' is a positive attempt, but they are not always used with correct grammatical form (e.g., '6 step is centrifugal'). To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology related to industrial processes and improving word choice to avoid repetitive or incorrect phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'Sugar canes were growing'), incorrect article usage, and awkward sentence construction (e.g., 'the harvesting process is complete by two different category'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence structure and proofreading for basic agreement and tense consistency would be beneficial.

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.