Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-10-20

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 initial step in the making process of sugarcane is growing the sugarcane which takes about 12 to 18 months .After the crop is fully grown it is harvested through two methods. First is using the traditional method of manually cutting the sugarcane crop and second is utilizing modern technology and harvesting through machine.After harvesting the crop is crushed to extract its juice which is then purified from impurities using limestone filter afterwars the purified juice is heated at high temperature untill it changes to syrup form. The surup is centrifuged which separates sugar particles from syrup. finally the crystals are dryed and cooled to sugar particles.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the main sequence, including the 12–18-month growing period, two harvesting methods, crushing, purification, evaporation, centrifuging, and drying and cooling. These details are generally consistent with the diagram. However, the response is only 107 words, below the required 150, and it lacks a distinct overview that summarises the process as a whole. Some stages are also under-described: for example, the diagram shows juice becoming syrup in an evaporator and the centrifuge separating sugar crystals from syrup, but these steps receive only brief mention. Add an overview and explain the key transformations more fully to address the task more completely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The stages are presented in the correct general order, and sequencing expressions such as “After” and “finally” help the reader follow the process. The response also moves from cultivation through to the final product without irrelevant material. However, it is written as one long block, so the stages are not visually grouped, and several transitions are compressed together, particularly from crushing through purification and heating. The repeated use of “after” also makes the progression somewhat mechanical. Use a clear overview followed by logically grouped process stages, and vary linking phrases such as “Once harvested” and “The resulting syrup is then…” to make the progression smoother.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “harvested,” “crushed,” “purified,” and “centrifuged,” which helps communicate the main operations. There is some attempt at more specific language, such as “limestone filter” and “sugar particles.” However, several choices are inaccurate or awkward: “surup” is misspelled, “dryed” is incorrect, and “sugar particles” is less precise than “sugar crystals.” Phrases such as “traditional method” and “modern technology” add interpretation that the diagram does not require; “manual harvesting” and “mechanical harvesting” are more neutral and precise. Broaden and refine the process vocabulary, checking spelling and collocations carefully.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response communicates the sequence using both simple statements and some linked clauses, for example, “After the crop is fully grown it is harvested…” and “which is then purified…”. The main meaning remains understandable. However, sentence structures are mostly repetitive, and punctuation errors make the long sequence difficult to read: there is no space after several full stops, and commas are needed after introductory clauses such as “After the crop is fully grown”. The final sentence also shifts into a fragment-like sequence of actions rather than maintaining a clear, controlled structure. Use a wider mix of accurately formed sentences, divide the process into manageable sentences, and check punctuation and clause boundaries.

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