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.

Overall, it is a linear process consisting of several stages, beginning with the growth of sugar cane and ending with the production of sugar. The main stages include harvesting, crushing, extracting the juice, purifying it and finally drying and cooling the sugar.

First, sugar cane is grown in fields and takes around 12 to 18 months to become fully mature. Once it is ready, the sugar cane is harvested either by hand or by using a harvesting machine. The harvested cane is then crushed using a special machine to extract the juice.

Next, the extracted juice is purified by passing it through a limestone filter. After that, the purified juice is heated in an evaporator, where the water is removed and the juice becomes thicker. The thick juice is then placed in a centrifuge. In this stage, the sugar crystals are separated from the remaining liquid.

Finally, the sugar crystals are dried and cooled in a special machine. After this final stage, the finished sugar is ready for use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully covers all stages of the sugar manufacturing process, from the initial growth of the cane to the final product. The overview is clear and identifies the linear nature of the process. The main features are highlighted, and the sequence is logically followed. To reach a higher band, the response could benefit from more precise technical vocabulary related to the diagram (e.g., mentioning the 'crusher' or 'centrifuge' more descriptively) and perhaps a more explicit comparison of the stages, such as noting the transition from mechanical to chemical processing. Overall, it is a solid, accurate summary that addresses the requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process, and a concise conclusion. The use of cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Once', 'Next', 'After that', and 'Finally' creates a smooth flow of information. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different phases of production. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, and the relationship between the stages is clearly established. The text is coherent throughout, and the referencing is accurate, making the information easy to digest for the reader.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for a process description. Terms like 'mature', 'harvested', 'purified', 'evaporator', and 'centrifuge' demonstrate a good command of topic-specific language. While the range is sufficient to convey the process clearly, it lacks some of the more sophisticated or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate it to a higher band. The word choice is precise, and there are no spelling errors. To improve, the student could incorporate more varied verbs or descriptive adjectives to avoid repetitive phrasing like 'special machine'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response displays a good control of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of passive voice ('is grown', 'is harvested', 'is purified'), which is highly appropriate for describing a manufacturing process. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free. To achieve a higher score, the student could experiment with more complex sentence combinations or varied clause structures to demonstrate greater flexibility in their writing.

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

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