Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-31

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 diagram explains the process of creating the biofuel called ethanol and how the carbon dioxide is used and released during the process.

Overall, this process starts with growing the plants from the seed, consuming sunlight and carbon dioxide, and ends with releasing the carbon dioxide, the point where the cycle creates a loop, including harvesting, preprocessing, and the creation of ethanol. This process involves both the natural and industrial processes.

In the first stage, the plants are grown from the seed with the use of sunlight and carbon dioxide. Once matured, these plants are harvested using several tools and tractors and further transported to the preprocessing stage. In the preprocessing stage, these harvested plants are transformed into tiny powder-like particles from which the cellulose is further extracted.

Furthermore, this cellulose is then sent to industrial facilities where it can be converted to sugars. After sugar is formed, microbes are added to it. Once the microbes are added, the ethanol is formed successfully. This ethanol is used as a fuel source for various transportation vehicles such as cars, trucks, and airplanes. A notable feature is that these vehicles emit carbon dioxide as pollution, which is further reused by the plants along with sunlight, forming a complete cycle of biofuel production.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the ethanol production cycle. You have clearly outlined the transition from plant growth to industrial processing and the final usage in vehicles. The inclusion of the carbon dioxide cycle is a strong feature that demonstrates a good understanding of the diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly highlight the key comparisons or stages more distinctly in the overview. While you have covered the process well, a more analytical approach to the 'main features'—perhaps by grouping the natural versus industrial phases more sharply—would enhance the clarity of the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a summary paragraph, and a detailed body section. You use cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'Furthermore', and 'Once the microbes are added' to guide the reader through the process. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the overview from the specific steps. To improve, try to vary your cohesive devices slightly more to avoid a repetitive structure, as some transitions feel a bit mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'preprocessing', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'industrial facilities'. The language is generally precise and appropriate for an academic report. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To move into the higher bands, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common technical vocabulary related to chemical or industrial processes, such as 'fermentation' or 'conversion', to show a more flexible command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response shows a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use passive voice appropriately, which is essential for describing a process (e.g., 'plants are grown', 'cellulose is then sent'). Most sentences are error-free, and your control of punctuation is solid. There are no major grammatical errors that cause confusion. To achieve a higher score, aim to integrate more complex sentence patterns, such as conditional or relative clauses, to demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility and sophistication in your writing.

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