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 illustrated diagram outlines the process by which sugar is manufactured from sugarcane. Overall, this process involves seven stages starting with the growth and cultivation of sugarcane followed by extraction, purification and crystalization of sugar. In addition, the entire process of manufacturing sugar involves mechanical and chemical processes.

First of all, sugarcane is grown for 12 to 18 months before being harvested either manually or using a machine called a harvester. The harvested sugarcane is passed through a machine and is crushed to extract its juice. This juice is then passed through a limestone filter to remove any impurities and to purify it. This process is called purification. Moreover, the purified juice is then passed to an evaporator where it is heated and the leftover water evaporates because of which consequently, a concentrated syrup is left behind.

Moving on, this concentrated syrup is then passed to a centrifuge, where sugar crystals are separated from the syrup. Finally, the extracted sugar crystals undergo drying and cooling volves. ~~During this process any moisture is removed~~ During this process any leftover moisture is removed from the crystals thus resulting in the formation of refined sugar. This refined sugar is ready for distribution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student provides a clear overview of the overall process and successfully covers all seven main stages, ranging from cultivation and harvesting to crushing, purification, evaporation, centrifugation, and finally drying/cooling to produce refined sugar. Key features such as the duration of growth (12 to 18 months), the harvesting methods, and the function of the limestone filter and centrifuge are accurately reported. The information is well-selected, and comparisons or sequential steps are clearly highlighted. The response satisfies all the requirements of an Academic Task 1 summary without any omissions, earning a solid band score for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The text is divided into logical paragraphs that separate the introduction, the initial stages of processing, and the final stages of refinement. Cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'Moreover', 'Moving on', and 'Finally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the sequence of steps, although referencing and transitions could occasionally be smoother. Paragraphing is used appropriately to manage the flow of information, ensuring that the overall arrangement remains coherent and easy to follow from beginning to end.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary relevant to the diagram, including appropriate technical terms like 'cultivation', 'extraction', 'purification', 'evaporator', 'concentrated syrup', 'centrifuge', and 'refined sugar'. There is an attempt to use less common items with general accuracy. While some vocabulary is slightly repetitive or standard for process descriptions (e.g., 'passed through a machine', 'passed to an evaporator'), the word choices do not impede communication. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, supporting a clear and precise delivery of the technical process.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writing exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and passive voice constructions appropriate for a process description (e.g., 'sugarcane is grown', 'is crushed to extract its juice', 'where sugar crystals are separated'). While there is a minor mechanical error with a crossed-out revision ('volves. During this process any moisture is removed During this process any leftover moisture is removed'), the surrounding grammar shows good control. The majority of sentences are grammatically sound, and punctuation is handled well enough to prevent any misunderstanding.

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