Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-19

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 process diagram shows the seven stages involved in the production of sugar from sugar cane, tracing the growth stage to the final stage when sugar is dried and cooled.

Overall, it follows a sequence of seven stages, including growing, harvesting, crushing, purifying, evaporation, centrifugation, drying, and cooling. Machinery includes tractors, a crusher, a limesone filter, an evaporator, a centrifuge, heat, and an iron container. Throughout the process, sugarcane takes several forms: juice, syrup, and finally sugar crystals.

The process initiates with growing sugarcane, which takes almost 12 to 18 months. When it is fully grown, two methods of harvesting can be used: either by tractor or by farmers doing it themselves. When the harvesting process is finished, sugarcane is crushed into juice form through heavy-wheel machinery. Later, it is transferred into a limestone filter for purification purposes. Drop by drop, the juice is collected in an evaporator that is placed over a big flame, and the juice is converted into syrup. The syrup is separated from sugar crystals in a centrifuge by a spinning process. Finally, it is placed in a container, where the syrup is dried and cooled, resulting in sugar crystals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by outlining the main features of the seven-stage sugar manufacturing process. The response provides a clear overview that outlines the sequence of stages, equipment involved, and the transformation of the sugarcane material. Details such as the duration of the growing stage (12-18 months), the two harvesting methods, and the subsequent mechanical and chemical processes are accurately reported. The information is fully grounded in the provided diagram without major omissions or factual errors, demonstrating a solid understanding of visual data representation for Academic Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text exhibits a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The response is divided into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introductory sentence, followed by an overview paragraph, and concluding with a detailed sequential body paragraph. Cohesive devices and transition phrases like 'Overall', 'The process initiates with', 'When it is fully grown', 'Later', and 'Finally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the various steps of the diagram. Referencing is clear and the flow of information remains smooth.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suited to describing a process, using terms such as 'production', 'sequence', 'purification purposes', 'evaporator', and 'centrifugation'. There is one minor spelling slip ('limesone' instead of 'limestone'), but this does not impede communication. The writer successfully incorporates less common lexical items related to industrial processes, showing sufficient control and flexibility for this task type.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student utilizes a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including time clauses and passive voice constructions (e.g., 'When the harvesting process is finished, sugarcane is crushed...', 'the juice is converted into syrup'). Grammatical control is generally strong, with a high proportion of error-free sentences. Minor awkwardness in phrasing occasionally appears, such as 'farmers doing it themselves', but punctuation and sentence structures remain accurate and clear throughout.

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.