Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-28

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 8.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of producing ethanol biofuel from plants and trees.

Overall, the production of ethanol consists of several stages, beginning with the growth of plants and trees and ending with the use of ethanol as a fuel. It is evident that carbon dioxide is released during several stages and is recycled through plant growth, making the process cyclical.

Initially, plants and trees grow by using energy from sunlight together with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Once they have matured, they are harvested and sent for pre-processing, during which some carbon dioxide is emitted. The processed material is then converted into cellulose before being transferred to a processing plant.

At the processing stage, the cellulose is broken down into sugars, after which microbes are added to produce ethanol. The finished biofuel is then used to power different forms of transport, including cars, trucks, and aircraft. During combustion, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is subsequently absorbed by growing plants, allowing the cycle to begin again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the ethanol production process, from the initial growth of plants to the final combustion phase. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the cyclical nature of carbon dioxide and the conversion of cellulose into sugars. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the entire process. The information is accurate based on the provided diagram, and you have made relevant comparisons by highlighting the cyclical flow of carbon dioxide. The response is well-structured and addresses all parts of the task comprehensively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a logical progression of steps. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Initially', 'Once', 'At the processing stage', and 'subsequently', which help guide the reader through the sequence of events. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the process. The flow of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the stages is clearly established, making the text easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'matured', 'harvested', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', and 'combustion'. The terminology is precise and fits the context well. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common technical terms could elevate the response further, but the current range is sufficient to convey the information clearly and fluently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'Initially, plants and trees grow by using energy from sunlight together with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere' and 'Once they have matured, they are harvested and sent for pre-processing'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over verb tenses and passive voice, which is essential for process descriptions, is consistent and accurate.

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