Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-29

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 diagram illustrates the process of producing sugar from sugar cane.

Overall, there are seven main stages in the process, starting with the growing of sugar cane and ending with the drying and cooling of the sugar.

Initially, sugar cane is grown for 12–18 months. Once it has matured, the sugar cane is harvested either manually or by machine. After that, the sugar cane is crushed and the juice is extracted. The juice is purified using a limestone filter, which removes extra particles from the juice.

Furthermore, the purified juice is heated in an evaporator, and it then becomes syrup. The syrup is passed through a centrifuge to separate the sugar crystals from the remaining syrup. Finally, the sugar crystals are dried and cooled to produce the final sugar.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student successfully identifies the main features of the sugar production process, covering all seven stages from growing to drying and cooling. A clear overview is provided in the second sentence, noting the total number of stages and the start and end points. However, the response falls short of the 150-word minimum, containing only 129 words. Under IELTS rules for Academic Task 1, under-length responses must be penalised for failing to meet the minimum word count requirement, restricting the task achievement score.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response is well-organised and exhibits a clear logical progression throughout the seven stages of the diagram. The writer makes effective use of sequential cohesive devices and transition markers such as 'Initially', 'Once', 'After that', and 'Finally' to guide the reader smoothly through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction and overview from the detailed body of the process. Referencing is clear and accurate.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for describing a process, incorporating subject-specific terms such as 'harvested manually', 'crushed', 'purified', 'evaporator', 'centrifuge', and 'sugar crystals'. Word choice is generally natural and accurate. While there is an attempt to use less common items, the vocabulary remains fairly standard for process descriptions without reaching the level of a wider, more flexible range associated with higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writing features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as passive voice constructions ('sugar cane is grown', 'is purified using') which are appropriate for descriptive scientific processes. Control of grammar and punctuation is generally strong, with frequent error-free sentences. Minor lapses do not impede communication. The grammatical structures are handled accurately throughout.

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

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