Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-03
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 image depicts the manufacturing process of how sugar made from sugar cane through machine process.
Overall, there are few methods of obtaining sugar from sugar cane by a group of man with the help of machines and tools.
To commence with, growing sugar takes 12~18 months, and then harvesting of the sugarcane by a man, and harvesting also can be done by tractor, crushing process for making juice, therefore after crushing sugar cane it get purifies in a limestone filter, as well as evaporating the juice on heat for making the syrup of juice.
Furthermore, centrifugeral force is applied on syrup in a barrel for separating sugar crystals from syrup, never the less then sugar crystals transfered in a container for drying and cooling system applied on sugar crystals to hard the sugar for using purpose and this whole process takes around 2 years to extract sugar from sugar cane.
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 the main stages of the sugar production process, from growing to the final cooling stage. However, the overview is somewhat weak, as it focuses on the 'group of men' rather than the technical process itself. While the key steps are mentioned, the description lacks precision; for instance, the transition between stages is often repetitive or lacks clear logical flow. The summary of the process is accurate in terms of sequence, but it fails to highlight the most significant features or make meaningful comparisons between the manual and mechanical methods shown in the diagram. To improve, focus on a more objective summary of the process stages rather than describing the people involved.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is divided into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or slightly unnatural, such as 'To commence with' and 'never the less'. The progression of ideas is sometimes hindered by awkward phrasing, making the transition between the crushing, purifying, and evaporating stages feel disjointed. Referencing is occasionally unclear, and the overall structure would benefit from more sophisticated linking words to connect the various stages of the manufacturing process more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate to describe the process, using terms like 'centrifugeral force', 'purifies', and 'evaporating'. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and minor errors, such as 'hard the sugar' instead of 'harden' and 'using purpose'. The range is somewhat limited, relying on basic verbs and repetitive structures. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes and ensure that word forms (e.g., nouns vs. verbs) are used correctly in context.
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 impede the flow of reading. Examples include 'how sugar made from sugar cane through machine process' (missing verb/preposition) and 'sugar crystals transfered in a container' (missing auxiliary verb). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some run-on sentences that lack proper clause separation. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors suggests a need for more careful proofreading and a better grasp of sentence construction and verb tenses.
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.