Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-27

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 6.5)

The process diagram illustrates the step-by-step manufacturing cycle of biofuel called ethanol is produced.

Overall, the production consists of seven processes including, from harvesting, pre-processing and processing, to the final product ethanol that is used by a variety of vehicles for fuel.

First, plants and trees grow as they absorb the energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide, which continues until they are harvested by the time they mature. Next, the raw materials are put into a machine that begins pre-processing and shredding. After this, the materials’ cellulose is used for the following stage called processing. In this stage, sugars are filtered by a variety of substances. Finally, in the last step, microbes are added to produce ethanol.

Ethanol is used by three types of vehicles, including an aeroplane, a truck, and a compact car, which becomes a fuel for the machines. The cycle continues after these vehicles produce carbon dioxide back into the environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from harvesting to the final use in vehicles. However, the description is somewhat superficial. For example, the transition from 'cellulose' to 'sugars' is mentioned, but the diagram's key chemical or physical steps (such as fermentation or distillation) are not clearly identified or explained. The overview is present but could be more analytical by highlighting the cyclical nature of the process more effectively. While all parts of the diagram are addressed, the level of detail is somewhat basic, which limits the score to a 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the stages of the diagram. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction/overview from the process description and the final application. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Next', 'After this', and 'Finally' are used to guide the reader through the steps. However, the connection between the final stage of the process and the use of the fuel could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, and the overall progression of ideas is easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a 6.5 or 7.0 band level.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with terms like 'manufacturing cycle', 'cellulose', and 'microbes' used correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'used by a variety of' and 'produced' appear frequently. There is an attempt to use topic-specific vocabulary, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band. Some phrasing is slightly unnatural, such as 'manufacturing cycle of biofuel called ethanol is produced', which contains a grammatical redundancy. Expanding the range of verbs and nouns related to industrial processes would improve the score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as the opening sentence: 'The process diagram illustrates the step-by-step manufacturing cycle of biofuel called ethanol is produced', which is syntactically confused. Another error is 'which becomes a fuel for the machines', where the relative pronoun reference is slightly ambiguous. Despite these errors, the meaning is generally clear, and the punctuation is mostly accurate. The control of grammar is sufficient for a 6.0, as the errors do not impede communication, but the range of complex structures is not yet consistent enough for a higher band.

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