Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-10-06
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 5.5)
The illusteration give information about the manufacturing process for creating sugar from sugar cane.Overall, with the passage the process of seven stages, begining with the growing of sugsr cane and ending with the production of sugar dryind and cooling.
It is quite evident from the diagram producing from sugar cane is growing for around in 12 to 18 months.After that,the sugsar canesharvesting in by machine or by hand.Next, the sugar cane is crushing in a machine to extract the juice.The extract the juiceishe the is purifying juice by using a limestone filter.
Meanwhile,Following this purifying juice is heated and evaporator the removed for juice becomes syrup.Next the juice is placed in a centrifuge and the separates sugar crystals from syrup.Fanlling,the sugar dried and cooled,producing and finished the sugar.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The response addresses the main stages of the sugar cane manufacturing process, presenting a basic overview that outlines the start and end points of the seven-stage process. However, the explanation is only partially developed and contains mechanical errors in describing the sequence and mechanisms. For instance, phrases like 'producing from sugar cane is growing for around in 12 to 18 months' misinterpret the source material, confusing the plant's growth period with the production process itself. Furthermore, important details regarding the specific methods of harvesting and the operation of the centrifuge are rushed or unclear. Additionally, the response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, stopping short at 128 words, which limits the depth and completeness of the task response.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The text shows an attempt at logical organisation, making use of basic sequencing devices such as 'After that', 'Next', and 'Meanwhile' to guide the reader through the linear stages of the diagram. However, the overall progression lacks smooth flow due to abrupt transitions and broken sentence structures. Paragraphing is poorly handled, as the response is split into only two short blocks with erratic indentation and spacing. Additionally, referencing and cohesive ties are sometimes awkward or mechanical, such as 'Following this purifying juice', which causes confusion in the logical development of the information. To achieve a higher band, the writer needs to group related stages into clearer paragraphs and use cohesive devices more naturally.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is limited and barely adequate for the task, with a restricted range that repeats basic terms like 'sugar', 'cane', 'juice', and 'process'. There are noticeable lexical errors, awkward word choices, and frequent spelling mistakes throughout the text, such as 'illusteration', 'begining', 'sugsr', 'dryind', 'crushing' instead of crushed, and 'Fanlling'. Terms are often used with incorrect word forms, such as 'sugsar canesharvesting' and 'the extract the juiceishe the is purifying juice'. These errors occasionally cause strain and difficulty for the reader. To improve, the student should expand their vocabulary related to industrial processes and focus heavily on accurate spelling and correct word formation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The grammar demonstrates a limited range of structures, relying mostly on simple sentences alongside poorly controlled attempts at complex or passive forms. Frequent errors occur in verb tenses, voice, and prepositions within grammatical patterns, such as 'is growing for around in 12 to 18 months', 'is crushing in a machine', and 'evaporator the removed for juice becomes syrup'. Article usage is also erratic, with missing or unnecessary articles across multiple sentences. These frequent errors disrupt the flow of reading and occasionally obscure the exact meaning of the process steps. A stronger performance would require better control over passive structures and improved accuracy in basic clause construction.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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