Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-28

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 involved in the production of sugar from sugar cane. Overall, the manufacturing of sugar mainly consists of 7 major steps, from growing sugar cane to extracting juice, which is eventually transformed into crystals.

Sugar cane growing can take up to 12–18 months. Once the crop has matured, it can be harvested by hand or with the help of machines. The next step involves crushing the sugar cane. The process includes putting raw sugar cane into a big crushing machine, which is responsible for extracting juice from the raw material.

For the purification of the highly concentrated extracted juice, a limestone filter is used to filter out any impurities. Once the juice is filtered out, it is then transferred to an evaporator. After that, the juice is exposed to an extreme temperature in the evaporator, which transforms the juice into syrup.

In the next step, there is a centrifuge process, which is responsible for separating sugar crystals from the syrup. The sugar crystals are put into storage for drying and cooling purposes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student successfully covers all main stages of the sugar manufacturing process, from growing and harvesting through to crushing, purification, evaporation, centrifugation, and final drying and cooling. An appropriate overview is provided in the introduction, stating that there are seven major steps. Key features are accurately reported, such as the two methods of harvesting (by hand or machine) and the use of a limestone filter and evaporator. The information is fully grounded in the diagram without any significant omissions or invented data, meeting all requirements for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression from the beginning to the end of the manufacturing process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different phases of the diagram, such as the initial growing and harvesting stages, the extraction and purification steps, and the final crystallization and storage. Cohesive devices such as 'Once', 'The next step', and 'In the next step' are employed effectively to guide the reader through the sequence, resulting in a cohesive and easy-to-follow text.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for an Academic Task 1 response. Less common vocabulary items and process-specific terminology, such as 'concentrated', 'impurities', 'evaporator', and 'centrifuge', are used effectively. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, as seen in phrases like 'extracting juice' and 'separating sugar crystals'. While there are no major lexical errors, the vocabulary range sits comfortably at a Band 7 level as it successfully conveys precise meaning without reaching the sophisticated flexibility of higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including participial phrases and dependent clauses (e.g., 'Once the crop has matured, it can be harvested...'). Grammatical accuracy is high, with the vast majority of sentences being error-free. Control of tense and voice is well-maintained throughout the passive-heavy description of a manufacturing process (e.g., 'the juice is exposed to an extreme temperature'). Punctuation is accurate, and minor slips are virtually absent, demonstrating strong command over grammar.

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