Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-04
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 4.5)
The following biofuel production process shows various steps to make ethanol .It is cycle starts from carban dioxide and also end at carbon dioxide .
In the first stage plants and trees grow through photosynthesis which required energy produced by sunlight and carbon dioxide . Is the next stage farmer harvest those trees and crops like - sugarcane and by PRE processing cellulose is produced and after it sugar and microbes are. added an d results in ethanol
Ethanol os now ised in batious modes of transport like car, bus, truck and aeroplane . these transports when runs emit gases like carban dioxide which again mixe in atmospher
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 4.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the description of the process. While the main features of the ethanol production cycle are identified, the explanation is overly brief and lacks the necessary detail to provide a comprehensive summary. Key stages, such as the specific conversion of cellulose to sugar, are mentioned but not adequately elaborated upon. To improve, you must expand on each stage of the diagram, ensuring that all steps are clearly described and comparisons are made where appropriate to reach the required length.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into short paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by the lack of sufficient detail and poor sentence structure. Cohesive devices are used in a very basic and sometimes mechanical way, such as 'In the first stage' and 'Is the next stage'. The referencing is occasionally unclear, and the transition between the production process and the usage of ethanol is abrupt. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider range of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, well-developed focus that connects logically to the next.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with several spelling errors that distract the reader, such as 'carban' for carbon, 'batious' for various, and 'ised' for used. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe the technical process in a sophisticated manner. You rely on basic terms like 'make', 'grow', and 'added'. To improve, you should aim to use more precise, topic-specific terminology related to industrial processes and chemical cycles, and pay closer attention to spelling and word choice to ensure your writing is accurate and professional.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that impede readability. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('these transports when runs'), incorrect article usage, and fragmented sentence structures ('Is the next stage...'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with misplaced spaces and missing commas. The range of sentence structures is very limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences. To improve, you need to focus on mastering basic sentence construction, including correct verb forms and punctuation, before attempting more complex structures. Proofreading for basic errors is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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