IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Sugar Production Process (Band 9 Sample)
This Academic Task 1 asks you to describe a process diagram showing how sugar is produced from sugar cane. A band-9 response gives an overview of the whole process, then reports the stages in order using the passive voice and sequencing language. Below is a model answer of roughly 190 words, followed by why it scores 9 on all four criteria.
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01 · The task
The diagram below shows how sugar is produced from sugar cane. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
02 · Band 9 sample answer
190 words · Band 9The diagram illustrates the various stages involved in producing sugar from the raw material of sugar cane.
Overall, the process is linear and consists of seven main stages, beginning with the growing of the cane in fields and ending with the drying of the finished sugar. Broadly, it can be divided into a farming phase and a factory-processing phase.
To begin with, the sugar cane is grown, a process that takes between twelve and eighteen months to reach maturity. Once ready, it is harvested, either by machine or by hand, and transported to a factory. There, the cane is crushed by large rollers so that its juice can be extracted.
In the next phase, the extracted juice is purified by being passed through a limestone filter, which removes impurities. It is then heated in an evaporator until it thickens into a syrup. This syrup is subsequently spun in a centrifuge, which separates the raw sugar crystals from the remaining liquid. Finally, the sugar is dried and cooled, at which point it is ready for use.
03 · Why this scores Band 9
The response covers the whole process, opens with a clear overview that states the number of stages and groups them into farming and factory phases, and then reports every key step in the correct order. It selects the main stages rather than over-describing minor details.
The report follows the ideal process shape — introduction, overview, then the stages in sequence. Sequencing language is varied and accurate — "To begin with", "Once ready", "There", "In the next phase", "then", "subsequently", "Finally" — so the reader can follow the flow from field to finished sugar.
Process vocabulary is precise and varied — "reach maturity", "harvested", "crushed by large rollers", "purified", "removes impurities", "thickens into a syrup", "spun in a centrifuge" — with accurate technical verbs rather than a single repeated word.
04 · Useful collocations for this task
Tap a phrase to see what it means and how to use it. Natural collocations like these lift your Lexical Resource score.
05 · Frequently asked questions
What tense and voice should I use for a process diagram?
Use the present simple passive throughout ("the cane is harvested", "the juice is purified"), because the focus is on what happens at each stage, not who does it. This is the single most important grammatical feature of a process answer.
How do I show the order of the stages?
Use sequencing words — "first", "then", "once ready", "subsequently", "finally" — and vary them rather than repeating "then". Varying the connectors keeps the report cohesive, which this model does deliberately.
Do I need an overview for a process?
Yes — always. For a process, the overview typically states how many stages there are, whether it is linear or a cycle, and where it begins and ends. You cannot reach band 7+ without it.
How long should a Task 1 answer be?
At least 150 words; a band-9 answer is usually 170–200. This model is 190 words, enough to give an overview and describe all the main stages in order. Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1.
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