Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-08

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 6.0)

The provided diagram represents the production process of sugar from sugar cane. Overall, the sugar is produced from sugar cane in seven main stages which include sugar cane growth, harvesting, crushing, filtration, evaporation, crystal separation, drying and cooling processes.

The sugar cane takes 12-18 months to achieve its proper growth and then it is harvested manually by farmers or mechanically by harvesting machines. In the next step, sugar cane is crushed until its juice is produced, and then it is passed through filtration process. Juice is filtered out by using limestone filter which purifies the juice, and then it is brought into an evaporator and beneath the evaporator there are fire flames where water is evaporated, and juice is converted into a thick syrup. A centrifuge machine with large fans separates out sugar crystals from the heated thick syrup. In the last step, the crystals are dried and then cooled down to room temperature which leads toward the formation of edible sugar, and it is now ready for packaging and distribution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the sugar production process. You have covered all steps from growth to packaging, providing a clear overview. However, to reach a higher band, you should focus more on the 'reporting' aspect by highlighting key comparisons or significant features rather than just listing the steps chronologically. For example, noting that the process transitions from mechanical/manual harvesting to a series of industrial refinement stages would add depth. The summary is accurate, but it lacks a slightly more analytical perspective on the transformation of the raw material into the final product.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is logically sequenced, following the chronological order of the diagram. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'In the next step' and 'In the last step' to guide the reader. While the flow is clear, the paragraphing is somewhat unbalanced; the introduction and the body are merged into a single block of text. To improve, you should separate the overview from the detailed process description. Additionally, try to vary your linking phrases to avoid a repetitive structure, as some transitions feel slightly mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using subject-specific terms like 'centrifuge', 'evaporator', and 'filtration'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'beneath the evaporator there are fire flames', which is slightly informal and imprecise. Using more academic collocations would elevate your score. Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the process clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Focus on using more precise verbs and descriptive nouns to describe industrial processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

Your grammar is generally accurate, and your sentences are easy to follow. You use a mix of simple and complex structures, such as 'The sugar cane takes 12-18 months to achieve its proper growth and then it is harvested...'. However, there are some minor errors, such as 'passed through filtration process' (missing an article) and 'beneath the evaporator there are fire flames' (awkward phrasing). To improve, aim for more varied sentence structures and ensure consistent use of articles and prepositions. The errors present do not impede communication, which is a positive aspect of your writing.

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.