Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-30

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 8.0)

The given diagram illustrates how a biofuel called ethanol is produced.

Overall, it is clear that the process consists of several stages, beginning with the growth of plants and trees and ending with the production and use of ethanol. It is also shown that carbon dioxide is released and reused during the process.

At the first stage, plants and trees grow with the help of sunlight and carbon dioxide. Next, they are harvested. After that, the plants are pre-processed to prepare the raw material. Then, cellulose is collected and sent for processing. During this stage, sugars are produced, which are used in the next step of the process.

In the following stage, microbes are added to the sugars to produce ethanol. After this, the ethanol is used as a fuel for cars, trucks and aeroplanes. Finally, carbon dioxide is released into the air and is used again by plants, so the cycle continues. Therefore, ethanol production is a continuous process that starts and ends with plants and the environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production process. You have clearly outlined the stages from the growth of plants to the final use of the fuel and the recycling of carbon dioxide. The overview is effective in highlighting the cyclical nature of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure you include more specific details from the diagram, such as the specific inputs (e.g., sunlight) or the transformation steps (e.g., fermentation). While you have covered the process, adding a bit more technical detail regarding the conversion of cellulose into sugar would demonstrate a more thorough understanding of the provided information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'At the first stage', 'Next', 'After that', and 'In the following stage' to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction/overview from the body of the process. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the stages is easy to follow. The use of 'Therefore' at the end effectively summarizes the cyclical nature of the diagram.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'biofuel', 'harvested', 'pre-processed', and 'cellulose'. The language is generally accurate and appropriate for an academic report. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic collocations or synonyms to avoid repetitive phrasing. For example, instead of saying 'the process consists of several stages', you could use 'the production cycle involves a series of sequential phases'. Overall, the vocabulary is clear and effectively conveys the intended meaning without any errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The grammar is generally accurate, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have demonstrated control over passive voice constructions, which are essential for process descriptions (e.g., 'plants are harvested', 'cellulose is collected'). There are very few grammatical errors, and the punctuation is handled correctly. The sentences are clear and easy to read. To aim for a higher band, you could experiment with more varied complex sentence structures, such as using participle clauses or more sophisticated relative clauses to link the stages of the process more fluidly.

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