Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-23

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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the procedure of extracting sugar from sugarcane. Overall, it is a linear process consisting of seven stages from the cultivation of sugarcane to the production of sugar crystals.

Sugarcane can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to grow completely. Once the stalks reach maturity, they are harvested either manually by workers or with the help of harvesting machinery. After harvesting, the stalks are crushed inside a crusher to extract juice from the pulp. The extracted juice is then passed through a limestone to get rid of all impurities.

Next, the purified juice is put on high heat inside an evaporator until all the water evaporates and it reaches a syrupy consistency. The syrup is then poured inside a centrifuge machine which spins rapidly at high speeds to separate sugar crystals from the syrup. Finally, the sugar crystals are dried, cooled and packaged to be sent off to warehouses.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the sugar production process, from cultivation to packaging. You have identified the main features and provided a clear overview of the linear nature of the process. The information is accurate and logically presented. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly highlight the key comparisons or contrasts, such as the two methods of harvesting (manual vs. mechanical), rather than just listing them. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction and a progression that follows the stages of the diagram. You have used cohesive devices such as 'Once', 'After', 'Next', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial growth phase from the industrial processing stages. The flow of information is smooth and easy to follow, demonstrating a good command of organizational structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'maturity', 'impurities', 'evaporator', and 'syrupy consistency'. The word choice is generally precise and appropriate for a technical description. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary is used naturally. To improve, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or technical synonyms to demonstrate a wider range of lexical flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writing displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used passive voice effectively, which is essential for process descriptions (e.g., 'are harvested', 'is then passed', 'are dried'). The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. The punctuation is handled well, and the sentences are clear and readable. The control over complex structures is consistent, contributing to a professional tone throughout the response.

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

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