Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-06

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 outlines the stages which are involved in manufacturing process of sugar from sugar cane.

First of all sugar canes' growth process takes 12 to 18 months, after that harvesting begins which will be of two types the traditional one in which humans themselve cut the crops and the new process which will be completed through machinery. Then the harvested sugar canes crushed through a machine which converts them into juice.

The juice which produced by crushing process requires filteration which was done by limestone filter. After purification process, the juice requires heat for evaporation which converts it into syrup. The syrup has sugar crystals which have to be separated by performing centrifuge, after all these efforts finally sugar is entered in it's final stages which now only drying and cooling. The manufacturing process of sugar from sugar cane is completed and now it is ready to sell in the market.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the sugar manufacturing process, from the growth of the cane to the final product. However, the overview is missing; a successful Task 1 response should include a clear summary of the overall process or the most significant trends. While the steps are identified, the description of the harvesting methods (traditional vs. machinery) is slightly over-detailed compared to the later technical stages. To improve, ensure you provide a clear introductory overview that highlights the transformation from raw material to finished product, and maintain a more balanced focus across all stages of the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. Phrases like 'First of all' and 'After all these efforts' are used, but the transition between sentences could be smoother. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the final sentence where 'it's final stages' is used incorrectly. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus that progresses logically from the previous one.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the reader to understand the process. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and minor errors, such as 'filteration' (filtration) and 'themselves' (themselves). The range is somewhat limited, relying on basic verbs like 'done', 'entered', and 'completed'. To improve, incorporate more precise technical terminology related to industrial processes, such as 'extracted', 'purified', 'crystallised', and 'refined'. Avoiding repetitive phrasing and focusing on accurate spelling will significantly enhance the quality of your lexical resource.

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 distract the reader. For example, 'The juice which produced' should be 'The juice which is produced', and 'it's final stages' should be 'its final stages'. There are also issues with article usage and verb tense consistency throughout the text. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on subject-verb agreement, correct use of relative clauses, and ensuring that possessive pronouns are used correctly without apostrophes.

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