Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-29

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 9.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of producing ethanol biofuel from plants and trees and shows how carbon dioxide circulates throughout the production and consumption cycle.

Overall, ethanol is manufactured through a series of stages beginning with plant growth and ending with its use as a fuel. Notably, carbon dioxide released during production and combustion is reabsorbed by growing plants, making the process a continuous cycle.

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 treated plant material is then converted into cellulose before being transported to a processing plant.

In the next stage, the cellulose undergoes industrial processing and is broken down into sugars. Microorganisms are subsequently added to the sugars to ferment them, resulting in the production of ethanol.

Finally, the finished ethanol is used as a fuel for various forms of transport, including cars, trucks, and aircraft. During combustion, these vehicles release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Together with the emissions generated during pre-processing, this carbon dioxide is absorbed by newly growing plants through photosynthesis, thereby completing the cycle. Consequently, the production and use of ethanol form a renewable system in which carbon is circulated.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main stages of the ethanol production process and clearly explained the cyclical nature of the carbon dioxide emissions. The overview is well-crafted, highlighting the key features of the diagram, and the subsequent paragraphs provide a logical, step-by-step description of the process. You have effectively integrated the information about the carbon cycle with the production stages, ensuring a comprehensive summary that meets all requirements of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial growth of plants to the final consumption of ethanol. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Once', 'In the next stage', and 'Consequently' are used naturally to guide the reader through the sequence of events. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is smooth throughout the text, demonstrating a high level of coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You have used a wide range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'circulates', 'combustion', 'photosynthesis', and 'ferment'. The word choice is precise and contributes to a professional tone. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation, and the terminology related to the biofuel production process is used accurately. The vocabulary is sufficiently varied to convey the information clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The writing demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'Once they have matured, they are harvested...' and '...a renewable system in which carbon is circulated.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is accurate. The use of passive voice is appropriate for describing a technical process, and the overall control of grammar is consistent and sophisticated throughout the response.

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