Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-05

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 6.0)

The given diagram illustrates the process of making a kind of biofuel called 'ethanol'.

Overall, the procedure of making ethanol has 9 steps, from planting a tree to extracting ethanol to use in different vehicles.

The process begins with the plant absorbing the energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide from the environment to grow. After the plant becomes mature, the plants are harvested using machines. Then the harvested plants are sent to a pre-processing plant, where the plants are processed into a fine powder known as 'cellulose'. After extracting the cellulose from the plant, the extracted cellulose is sent for further processing.

During the processing, the cellulose is treated with different chemicals to extract sugar from it. Afterwards, the extracted sugar is introduced to different kinds of microbes, which ferment the sugar and produce the ethanol. The produced ethanol is used in different motors, like trucks, cars or planes. The vehicles then emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which helps the process to start again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the ethanol production process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence logically from plant growth to vehicle emission. However, the task requires 'reporting the main features' and 'making comparisons where relevant'. While you described the steps well, the response lacks a deeper analysis of the transformation stages or the cyclical nature of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure you highlight the key transitions more explicitly, such as the shift from raw biological material to chemical processing, rather than just listing the steps sequentially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a brief overview, and a body paragraph that follows the chronological order of the diagram. You use cohesive devices such as 'The process begins with', 'After', 'During', and 'Afterwards' to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction from the process description. To improve, try to vary your linking words further, as some transitions feel slightly repetitive. Overall, the flow of information is smooth and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'biofuel', 'cellulose', 'ferment', and 'mature' correctly. The language is generally precise and appropriate for a technical process description. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional and lacks the 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the response to a higher band. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or synonyms for common verbs like 'making' or 'sending' to demonstrate a broader lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is handled well. There are no significant errors that impede communication. You successfully use passive voice constructions, such as 'the plants are harvested' and 'the cellulose is treated', which is highly appropriate for describing a scientific process. To aim for a higher band, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional or participle clauses, to show greater flexibility.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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