Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-30
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 given information illustrates that how sugar cane is manufactured in multiple steps.
Overall, the process includes seven steps from growing and harvesting of sugar cane till the drying the sugar cane extract.
After the sugar cane has been planted it takes about 12 to 18 months after which the farmers harvest it. The harvesting can be done by hand or a harvesting machine can also be used. After being harvested the sugar cane is passed through a crushing machine which seperates the liquid content from it. The liquid content after collected is purified with help of a limestone filter. When the filtration is done then it is placed in an evaporator at high temperature which converts the juice into syrup. The syrup is then passed through centrifuge machine which separtes crystal sugar from the syrup. The crystals of the sugar obtained are dried and cooled afterwards in large container preferably a metal one.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all stages of the sugar manufacturing process, from cultivation to the final drying phase. You have successfully identified the main features and provided a logical sequence of the process. However, the response lacks a clear overview paragraph that synthesises the process as a whole, which is a key requirement for Band 7+. While you mention the number of steps, a more comprehensive summary of the transformation (e.g., from raw material to refined product) would improve the score. The information is accurate, but the development of the 'main features' could be more analytical rather than just listing steps.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organised, following the chronological order of the diagram. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'After', 'When', and 'The syrup is then', which help the reader follow the process. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire body of the report is contained in one block. To achieve a higher band, you should group related stages into distinct paragraphs (e.g., preparation, processing, and refining). Additionally, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the stages more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using subject-specific terms like 'harvesting', 'crushing machine', 'purified', 'evaporator', and 'centrifuge'. However, there are some spelling errors, such as 'seperates' (twice) and 'separtes', which detract from the quality. The range is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication or precision required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more varied verbs and nouns to describe the mechanical processes, and ensure careful proofreading to eliminate basic spelling mistakes.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical slips. For example, the opening sentence 'illustrates that how sugar cane is manufactured' is awkward; it should be 'illustrates how sugar cane is manufactured'. There are also minor punctuation and article errors, such as 'with help of a limestone filter' (missing 'the') and 'passed through centrifuge machine' (missing 'a'). While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more consistent control over complex structures to reach a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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