Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-05

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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of producing sugar from sugar cane, from the initial growing stage to the final drying and cooling of the sugar.

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 undergoes purification, evaporation and centrifugation before the final sugar is dried and cooled.

Initially, sugar cane is cultivated for 12–18 months until it reaches maturity. It is then harvested either mechanically using a large harvesting machine or manually by workers. The harvested cane is subsequently crushed in a machine, producing sugar cane juice.

In the fourth stage, 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. Next, the syrup is placed in a centrifuge, which separates the sugar crystals from the remaining syrup.

Finally, the separated sugar crystals undergo the last stage, in which they are dried and cooled in a large container. The resulting product is ready as the final sugar.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers all stages of the sugar production process, from cultivation to the final product. You have clearly identified the main features, such as the seven-stage process and the distinction between mechanical and manual harvesting. The overview is concise and provides a clear summary of the entire cycle. The information is logically presented, and you have successfully highlighted the key transitions, such as the purification and evaporation phases. To reach a higher band, ensure you explicitly compare the two harvesting methods mentioned in the diagram rather than just listing them, as this would further demonstrate your ability to synthesize information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving logically from the initial growth stage to the final processing. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'subsequently', 'In the fourth stage', and 'Finally', which guide the reader smoothly through the process. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the relationship between the different stages is clearly established. The flow is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking, which makes the text easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, using terms like 'cultivated', 'maturity', 'extracted', 'purification', and 'centrifugation'. The word choice is generally precise and fits the context of a technical process well. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary is used accurately throughout. To improve, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or synonyms to describe the physical changes in the substance, such as 'viscous syrup' or 'crystallized product', which would elevate the lexical sophistication further.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing displays a good variety of complex structures, including passive voice constructions ('is cultivated', 'is then crushed', 'is removed'), which are essential for describing processes. The sentences are generally error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly. You maintain a consistent tone throughout, and the grammatical control is strong. There are no major errors that impede communication. The use of participial phrases and relative clauses helps to create a fluent and professional-sounding report. The accuracy is high, with only very minor slips, if any.

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