Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-22

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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of manufacturing sugar from sugar cane, which involves seven main stages from growing the cane to producing the final sugar crystals.

Overall, the manufacturing process is linear and involves both mechanical and chemical steps. It begins with the agricultural phase and ends with the drying and cooling of the sugar product.

Firstly, sugar cane is grown for 12 to 18 months before being harvested. The harvesting can be done either manually by hand or mechanically with the help of machines. After harvesting, the sugar canes are crushed in a machine to extract the juice.

The extracted juice then goes through a purification stage where it is filtered using limestone to remove any impurities. This purified juice is then heated in an evaporator to transform it into a thick syrup.

In the last stage, the syrup is then processed in a centrifuge to separate sugar crystals from the syrup. Finally, the sugar crystals are dried and cooled to produce the final product, which is ready for consumption or packaging.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear summary of the seven-stage manufacturing process of sugar from sugar cane. The overview successfully highlights key features, noting that the process is linear and encompasses both mechanical and chemical phases. All stages from growing and harvesting through to crushing, purification, evaporation, centrifugation, and finally drying and cooling are accurately reported without any major omissions or factual errors. The information is logically selected and directly grounded in the visual data provided, meeting all requirements for Task Achievement at a high level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The text is well-organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph containing a strong overview, followed by logical body paragraphs that trace the linear process chronologically. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'After harvesting', 'This purified juice', and 'In the last stage' are used effectively to guide the reader through the sequence of steps. Paragraphing is used appropriately, separating the introduction, overview, and sequential steps into distinct, readable sections, ensuring smooth transitions throughout.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a process, using terms such as 'linear', 'agricultural phase', 'manually', 'mechanically', 'extract', 'impurities', and 'centrifuge'. While most word choices are accurate, some vocabulary is somewhat standard or repetitive rather than highly sophisticated (e.g., repeating 'sugar crystals' and 'syrup'). However, the lexical control is solid and allows the process to be described with sufficient precision and clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including passive voice constructions which are appropriate for process descriptions (e.g., 'sugar cane is grown', 'The harvesting can be done', 'The extracted juice then goes through'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. There are only very minor issues, demonstrating good control over complex grammar and reliable sentence formation.

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

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