Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-10

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 picture shows the detailed manufacturing process of sugar crystals from sugar cane. This process involves industrial machinery and a process of 6 to 7 steps.

Stating with the sugar cane plantation which takes upto 11 months to be ready to harvest. After that time period the sugar cane is harvested, although it can be harvested manually by farmers and it has another way to get harvested, which is by machinery such as Tracktors.

Moving to the next step of sugar production, sugar cane juice is then extracted from sugar canes and then it is purified by a filteration process using limestone filter. An evaporator is then used to change the physical state of the juice which converts juice into a syrup. A machine known as centrifuge is then used to separate sugar crystals from the syrup.

Ending with the last and the most basic step which is to let the separated sugar crystals to dry and stored in a container and that is how sugar production occurs and a new consuming substance is formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the sugar production process, from harvesting to the final product. However, the overview is somewhat weak; it focuses on the number of steps rather than highlighting the key transformation stages. While the information is generally accurate, the description of the harvesting phase is slightly over-detailed compared to the later industrial stages, which are more central to the diagram. To improve, ensure the overview synthesises the process more effectively by grouping the mechanical and chemical stages, and ensure all labels from the diagram are integrated more smoothly into the narrative flow.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Moving to the next step' and 'Ending with' are used to signal the progression of the stages. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the connection between sentences could be more fluid. For instance, the transition between the harvesting methods and the extraction process is abrupt. The use of referencing is generally clear, but the overall flow would benefit from a more sophisticated range of linking words to connect the various stages of the manufacturing cycle more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with terms like 'purified', 'evaporator', and 'centrifuge' used correctly. However, there are some spelling errors, such as 'filteration' (filtration) and 'Tracktors' (tractors). Additionally, some phrasing is slightly unnatural, such as 'new consuming substance'. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more precise vocabulary to describe industrial processes and ensure accurate spelling of technical terms. The range is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it lacks the flexibility and precision required for a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical issues, such as 'Stating with the sugar cane plantation' (should be 'Starting with') and 'it has another way to get harvested' (which is wordy and slightly informal). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are some awkward phrasings that hinder the flow. While the errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and reducing wordiness in passive constructions would significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

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