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 DIAGRAM DEMONSTRATE THE PRODUCTION OF MAKING SUGAR FROM THE SUGAR CANE.

OVERALL, IT IS EVIDENT THAT MANUFACTURING OF SUGAR TAKE PLACE IN 7 STEPS. COMMENSING WITH GROWING OF SUGAR CANE AND ENDING WITH DRYING AND COLLING.

INTIALLY, IN THE FIRST STEP SUGAR CANE GROW WHICH TAKE ALMOST 12 TO 18 MONTHS. AFTER THAT IN THE SECOND STEP HARVESTING OF SUGAR CANE OCCUR WHICH IS DONE BY FARMER AND THROUGH TRACTORE. SIMULATANEOUSLY, THROUGH THE PROCESS OF CRUSHING SUGAR CANE JUICE GET EXTRACT. IN THE FOURTH STEP THAT JUICE GET PURIFIED WITH THE HELP OF LIMESTONE FILTER. SUBSTENTIALLY, THE JICE GET BOIL UNDER THE HIGH FLAME IN WHICH IT CONVERT INTO SYRUP AND THAT STEP CALLED EVAPORATOR. FURHERMORE, IN THE SIXETH STEP THROUGH THE CENTRIFUGE SUGAR CRYSTAL GET SEPRATES FROM THE SYRUP. AT THE LAST SEVENTH STEP THAT SUGER CRYSTAL KEPT IN DRUM AND LEFT OPEN IN THE AIR FOR DRYING AND COOLING FROM WHICH SUGAR PRODUCE.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the sugar production process, from the growth of the cane to the final product. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview of the transformation process. While the steps are identified, the response would benefit from a more sophisticated summary of the key stages (e.g., cultivation, extraction, purification, and crystallization). The information is generally accurate, but the lack of a clear, cohesive summary at the beginning limits the score. The response addresses the requirements of the task but lacks the analytical depth expected for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into a logical sequence, following the steps of the diagram. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'In the first step', 'After that in the second step', 'In the fourth step'). Paragraphing is present, but the transition between the introduction and the body is abrupt. The flow of information is clear enough to follow, but the lack of varied linking words and the somewhat rigid structure prevent a higher score. Improving the variety of transition signals would significantly enhance the readability of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several spelling errors, such as 'COLLING' (cooling), 'INTIALLY' (initially), 'TRACTORE' (tractor), 'SIMULATANEOUSLY' (simultaneously), 'SUBSTENTIALLY' (subsequently), 'JICE' (juice), 'FURHERMORE' (furthermore), 'SIXETH' (sixth), 'SEPRATES' (separates), and 'SUGER' (sugar). These errors are frequent and occasionally distracting. While the student uses some process-specific vocabulary like 'centrifuge' and 'evaporator', the overall range is limited, and the consistent spelling issues indicate a need for more careful proofreading and vocabulary development.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. There are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'manufacturing of sugar take place', 'sugar cane grow', 'juice get purify') and article usage. The tense consistency is also problematic, as the student mixes present and past forms inconsistently. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of basic grammatical errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. To improve, the student should focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and incorporating more complex sentence structures, such as passive voice, which is essential for describing processes.

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.