Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The process illlustrates the information about how ethanol is produced with help seven steps.

Overall, Plants and trees grow from which energy is produced. Then, end of step in microbes added from ethanol which can be used in various kinds of vehicles as fossil fuels.

Initially, The process starting with plant and trees were harvesting with used of truck. Then, next step in which pre-processing of plants were converted in tiny particular. Then after, cellulose was produced. Moreover, Processing of cellulose which is used to covnverted into liquid form and stored in tubes.

Secondly, The last two steps in which the steps was that liquid were converted and form a surgars. Then, last step in which microbes were form. In at outcome, the ethanol as biofuel made. In addition, They are used in various types of vehicles likewise airplane, truck and car in form of carbon dioxide which is biofuel.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response attempts to describe the process of ethanol production, but it fails to clearly identify the main stages or provide a logical summary. While it mentions some steps, the description is fragmented and lacks the necessary detail to explain the transformation of materials effectively. The overview is weak and does not accurately reflect the overall process shown in the diagram. Furthermore, there is a misunderstanding of the final stage, as the text incorrectly suggests that ethanol is released as carbon dioxide, which is factually incorrect based on the provided diagram. The response lacks the analytical depth required for a Band 6 or higher.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by poor sentence structure and confusing transitions. While cohesive devices like 'Initially', 'Secondly', and 'In addition' are used, they are often placed awkwardly or used to connect ideas that do not follow logically. The referencing is frequently unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the sequence of the process. The overall arrangement is mechanical, and the lack of clear, cohesive links between the stages of the process significantly impacts the flow of the writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. There are several instances of incorrect word choice, such as 'tiny particular' instead of 'particles' and 'surgars' instead of 'sugars'. The phrasing is often unnatural, and the student struggles to use precise terminology related to industrial processes. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of variety and the frequent errors in word formation and spelling prevent the response from reaching a higher band. The vocabulary is sufficient to communicate basic ideas but lacks the flexibility required for higher scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that often impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the steps was that'), incorrect verb tenses (e.g., 'process starting with'), and awkward sentence construction. The use of passive voice is attempted but often executed incorrectly, such as 'microbes were form'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary capitalization and missing articles. The range of structures is very limited, relying mostly on simple sentences that are frequently marred by errors. These persistent mistakes make the text difficult to read at times.

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