Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-11-10

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

 

The diagram below shows how a biofuel called ethanol is produced.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The given image describes the mechanism of ethanol production which is a biofuel.

Overall, there are 7 steps that takes place in this cycle to produce ethanol from sunlight and carbon dioxide.

The first step takes place from the energy consumed by the plants and trees to grow and later be harvested. Harvesting is followed by pre-processing that turns it into cellulose. This cellulose is further processed and converted into sugars. In the last step microbes are added and it produces Ethanol which is used by multiple vehicles like cars, buses and airplanes. These vehicles emit carbon dioxide which is consumed by plants later and the new cycle begins.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the process as a cycle and include its main stages, from plant growth and harvesting through cellulose, sugars and ethanol to carbon dioxide returning to plants. However, the account is brief and only partially covers the diagram: it omits the three transport modes shown (car, truck and aeroplane) and gives no detail about the energy input or the role of microbes beyond saying they are added. The overview says there are “7 steps,” although the diagram presents a longer sequence of stages, and “buses” is not shown. The response also falls short of the required 150 words. To develop the report, describe the stages more fully and accurately, including how ethanol is used and how emissions complete the cycle.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The information follows a sensible chronological order, and the overview followed by a description of the stages gives the response a basic overall structure. Linking expressions such as “Overall,” “later,” “followed by,” and “In the last step” help the reader track the process. The final sentence also connects vehicle emissions back to plant growth, making the cycle clear. However, the response is presented as one paragraph, and the sequence is compressed into a few long sentences, so individual phases are not clearly separated. The repeated use of “and” also makes some links feel mechanical. Use distinct paragraphs for the overview and process details, and signal transitions between the production stages and the final transport-and-emissions loop.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “pre-processing,” “cellulose,” “converted into sugars,” and “carbon dioxide,” which communicates the central stages. “Mechanism” and “cycle” also show some range beyond basic description. However, the vocabulary is limited and several choices are imprecise or repetitive: “energy consumed by the plants” does not clearly express the diagram’s sunlight and carbon-dioxide input, while “used by multiple vehicles” is vague. “Buses” is also an inaccurate addition, as the diagram shows a truck. Aim for more precise process language and avoid adding unsupported details. Terms such as “absorbed,” “transport,” and “released” would help describe the inputs, uses and emissions more accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response is generally understandable and includes some attempts to combine stages in complex sentences, for example, “Harvesting is followed by pre-processing that turns it into cellulose.” However, the range is limited, with most information delivered through simple statements joined by “and.” There are also noticeable errors in agreement and sentence construction: “there are 7 steps that takes place” should use “take,” and “microbes are added and it produces Ethanol” has an unclear subject and faulty coordination. The opening phrase “The first step takes place from the energy consumed…” is also awkwardly constructed. Use a wider mix of accurate passive forms and subordinate clauses, and check that each verb clearly agrees with its subject.

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

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