Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-12

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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates how sugar is produced from sugar cane.

Overall, it is a seven-stage process, beginning with the growth of sugar cane and ending with the drying and cooling of the sugar crystals.

At the first stage, sugar cane is grown for approximately 12–18 months. The sugar cane is then harvested using two methods: it can either be harvested mechanically or cut manually by workers. After harvesting, the sugar cane is crushed in a machine to extract the juice. In the next stage, the juice is purified using a limestone filter.

Subsequently, the purified juice is heated in an evaporator until it becomes syrup. The syrup then undergoes a centrifuging process, during which the sugar crystals are separated from the syrup. Finally, the sugar crystals undergo a drying and cooling process, after which the finished sugar is ready for use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student successfully highlights the main features of the diagram, accurately tracing the seven-stage manufacturing process from the initial growth of sugar cane to the final cooling and drying of sugar crystals. Key details, such as the 12 to 18-month growth period, the dual harvesting methods, and the purification and centrifuging stages, are correctly reported. There is a clear overview provided in the second sentence. However, a penalty must be applied for length: the response contains 141 words, which falls short of the mandatory 150-word minimum specified in the task instructions. Because the length requirement was not met, the Task Achievement score is limited to Band 6.0, despite the clarity and accuracy of the content presented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is coherent and easy to follow. Information is presented in a logical, chronological sequence that mirrors the stages of the diagram, beginning with 'At the first stage' and progressing smoothly through 'After harvesting', 'In the next stage', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally'. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to link ideas without becoming mechanical. Paragraphing is handled reasonably well, though the text is concise enough that it effectively forms a single introductory sentence followed by a single body paragraph. Referencing is clear throughout, with pronouns and clear repetition of key subjects ('the sugar cane', 'the syrup', 'the sugar crystals') ensuring the reader never loses track of the process. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7 descriptor for logical progression and cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for describing a mechanical and agricultural process, successfully using subject-specific terms such as 'mechanically', 'manually', 'purified', 'limestone filter', 'evaporator', 'centrifuging', and 'crystals'. Word choices are precise, and spelling is entirely accurate. While the student does not display the wider or more sophisticated range of less common lexical items required for higher bands, the vocabulary deployed is fully sufficient to communicate the information clearly and naturally. There are no noticeable lexical errors that impede understanding, making a solid Band 6.5 or 7.0 appropriate; given the precision in handling technical terms, a Band 7.0 is well earned.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The grammatical control in this response is strong. The student successfully integrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, featuring passive voice constructions ('sugar cane is grown', 'is purified using a limestone filter', 'are separated') which are highly appropriate for academic process descriptions. Subordinate and participial clauses are handled well, as seen in 'beginning with the growth...' and 'during which the sugar crystals are separated'. Punctuation is accurate, and the text is entirely free of grammatical errors, resulting in numerous error-free sentences. This level of syntactic variety and high accuracy meets the criteria for Band 8.0.

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

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