Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-17

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 diagram illustrates the manufacturing process of sugar from sugar cane.

Overall, it is evident that the production of sugar involves seven stages, beginning with planting and harvesting of sugar canes ending with cooling and drying process of sugar.

In detail, the manufacturing of a sugar starts with growing of sugar canes. However, this growing process takes maximum 12 to 18 months. After first step, the plants are harvested by machines and farmers. Subsequently, the harvested sugar canes are put in rolling machine where juice is extracted. This step is called crushing. After crushing, the juice is purified in a limestone filter.

In addition, the fifth step is basically a evaporation step where juice is converted into a syrup. This process accurs in a container where juice is boiled by heating. In the following step, sugar crystals are separated from syrup. This is a centrifuge step. Finally, at the end sugar left in a closed container for drying and cooling process.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by outlining the main stages of sugar production from sugar cane, as depicted in the diagram. An overview is provided, noting the total number of steps from planting and harvesting to cooling and drying. Key stages such as crushing, filtering, evaporating, and centrifuging are identified and reported sequentially. However, the response contains minor inaccuracies in reading the diagram; for instance, the student states that the growing process takes a maximum of 12 to 18 months, whereas the diagram indicates a duration of 12-18 months. Despite minor descriptive slips, the progression of the linear process is well-covered.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is coherent with a clear overall arrangement following the sequence of the diagram. The student uses basic cohesive devices and sequencing expressions such as 'Overall', 'In detail', 'After first step', 'Subsequently', 'In addition', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is attempted, though separating the overview and the detailed body into distinct paragraphs could be improved. Referencing and logical progression are generally maintained throughout the description, ensuring that the process is easy to follow, earning a solid band 6.5 for cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a manufacturing process, including terms like 'manufacturing process', 'harvested', 'extracted', 'purified', and 'crystals'. There are some awkward phrasings and word choices, such as 'manufacturing of a sugar starts', 'basic a evaporation step', and 'accurs' (spelling error for occurs). While less common lexical items are attempted, inaccuracies in word choice and spelling prevent the score from reaching a higher band. Nevertheless, communication is not impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Overall, it is evident that the production of sugar involves...' and 'After crushing, the juice is purified in a limestone filter.' Grammatical control is generally fair, but there are several errors including missing articles ('starts with growing', 'is basically a evaporation step') and spelling/word-form errors ('accurs' instead of occurs). Despite these recurring minor inaccuracies, the majority of sentences remain clear and comprehensible, fitting the criteria for band 6.0.

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