Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-24

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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates how ethanol is produced, a kind of biofuel.

Overall, the production of ethanol is a cyclic process that comprises nine phases, beginning with the absorption of energy for plant growth and ending with the production of ethanol, which is used in various modes of transport.

Initially, the process begins with the absorption of energy, which is a combination of sunlight and carbon dioxide, and this enables the plants and trees to grow. Afterwards, the mature trees are harvested by farmers. Next, these trees and plants undergo preprocessing, where the plants and trees are ground to form tiny particles by machines.

In the subsequent stage, these tiny particles are formed into a cellulose structure; after that, the cellulose is processed in the Laboratory. After processing, an organic structure of sugar is formed, while some microbes are added to the sugar to produce ethanol. Finally, the ethanol is supplied to various kind of transport such as cars, trucks, and flights. As these again emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, this process is continued.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the biofuel production process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of the diagram logically. However, the description of the 'Laboratory' stage is slightly vague, and the connection between the 'cellulose structure' and the 'sugar' could be more explicitly linked to the chemical breakdown process shown in the diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure that all technical steps are described with greater precision, such as mentioning the fermentation or chemical conversion implied by the addition of microbes. Overall, you have addressed all parts of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You have used a range of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Afterwards', 'In the subsequent stage', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the process. The paragraphing is logical, separating the initial growth and harvesting from the processing and final usage. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. The use of cohesive devices is generally natural and contributes to the overall flow of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'absorption', 'preprocessing', 'cellulose structure', and 'emit'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'various kind of transport' (should be 'kinds') and 'Laboratory' (capitalized unnecessarily). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more precise process-related verbs (e.g., 'converted', 'fermented', 'synthesized') would elevate the lexical score. The current range is functional and allows for clear communication of the technical steps involved in ethanol production.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and error-free, though there are occasional slips, such as 'various kind of transport' and the slightly awkward phrasing 'this process is continued'. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the use of commas to separate clauses is handled well. The grammatical control is good, and the errors present do not impede the reader's understanding of the process. To improve, focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and consistent pluralization.

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