Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-29

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 illustrates the procedure of sugar making from the sugar cane.

It is clear that the process involves 7 stages, from which the first stage took the highest time. Sugar cane converted in to juice and syrup in different stages to make sugar.

process initiated from growing crops of sugar cane which almost took 1.5 year to fully grown up. Harvesting include two ways to cut down the crops, whether manually or from machine. After that crushing period started which convert sugar canes in to juice. This juice than passed from limestone filter for purification.

Now a purified juice is given specified heat to make syrup from juice by evaporating less dense material. Further this syrup faces a centrifuge instrument, which seperates sugar crystals from syrup. Finally a large container use to dry and cool down the sugar. After cooling and drying, sugar is ready for packaging and for domestic use .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all stages of the process, from growing the sugar cane to the final packaging. However, the overview is weak; it merely states the number of stages rather than highlighting the key features of the process, such as the transition from biological growth to industrial refinement. While the main steps are identified, the description lacks the precision required for a higher band. For example, the mention of '1.5 year' is a specific detail, but the overall summary of the transformation process could be more analytical. To improve, ensure the overview synthesizes the process rather than just counting the steps.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. Phrases like 'After that' and 'Now a' are used to transition between steps, but the flow between sentences feels a bit disjointed. There is a lack of variety in linking words, which makes the progression feel slightly repetitive. To improve, try using a wider range of cohesive devices such as 'subsequently', 'following this', or 'once the process is complete' to create a more natural flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and sophistication expected at higher levels. There are some awkward word choices, such as 'sugar making' instead of 'sugar production' and 'centrifuge instrument' instead of 'centrifugation'. Additionally, there are minor errors in word formation, such as 'fully grown up' (redundant) and 'seperates' (spelling error). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it does not demonstrate a wide range of topic-specific terminology or natural collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'the first stage took the highest time' (should be 'the longest time'), 'Sugar cane converted in to juice' (passive voice error: 'is converted into'), and 'This juice than passed' (should be 'then'). Subject-verb agreement and article usage are also inconsistent throughout the text. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors limits the score. Focusing on consistent use of passive voice for process descriptions would be beneficial.

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

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