Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-24

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 process of producing sugar from sugar cane, from the initial cultivation of the crop to the final drying and cooling of the sugar crystals.

Overall, there are seven main stages in the process. Sugar cane is first grown for between 12 and 18 months before being harvested. It is then crushed to extract the juice, which is purified and concentrated into syrup. Finally, the syrup is processed in a centrifuge to separate the sugar crystals, which are subsequently dried and cooled.

Initially, sugar cane is cultivated for approximately 12–18 months until it reaches maturity. It is then harvested either mechanically using a specialised machine or manually by workers. In the third stage, the harvested cane is crushed in a mill, producing juice.

Next, the extracted juice is purified by passing it through a limestone filter. The purified liquid is then heated in an evaporator, where water is removed and the juice becomes a thick syrup. Following this, the syrup is placed in a centrifuge, which separates the sugar crystals from the remaining liquid. In the final stage, the sugar crystals are dried and cooled, resulting in the finished sugar product.

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 provides a clear summary of the seven stages, which is a key requirement for Task 1. The information is accurate and well-selected, ensuring the reader understands the entire process without unnecessary detail. To reach a higher band, you could further highlight the key comparisons or contrasts, such as the two methods of harvesting (mechanical vs. manual), which you mentioned but could have integrated more fluidly into the process description.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that follow the process steps chronologically. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Next', 'Following this', and 'In the final stage' creates a smooth flow of information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed process description. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is coherent and professional, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'cultivated', 'maturity', 'specialised', 'purified', 'concentrated', and 'centrifuge'. The terminology is accurate and fits the context of the diagram well. There are no spelling errors, and the word choice is precise. While the vocabulary is effective and natural, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations related to industrial processes could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical range is more than adequate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, including passive voice constructions (e.g., 'is purified by passing it', 'is then harvested'), which are essential for describing processes. The sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over complex structures is consistent, and the flow is natural. There are no noticeable grammatical slips, and the clarity of the writing is excellent, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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