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 diagram illustrates the step-by-step process of how a biofuel - ethanol is produced.

Overall, it can be observed that there are three primary stages in the production of ethanol. Beginning with harvesting of well grown- plants and trees and ending with processing of cellulose to obtain sugar.

In the first stage, all plants and trees after receiving substantial energy from the environment (sunlight and carbon dioxide) are cut down by tractors. Next all trees are harvested to make them ready for the later stage pre-processing. In the following stage, all trees are put inside a machine which makes the output more refined to obtain cellulose.

In the consecutive step, all the cellulose is processed in the factories. After the chemical treatment, sugar is extracted from the cellulose as the main ingredient for further production. In addition, tiny living creatures called microbes are added along the sugars to obtain the desired product.

At last, ethanol is used by different vehicles as a biofuel. Subsequently, using ethanol leads to emission of carbon dioxide once again used as a energy source by plants and animals. The further energy is once again used by plant and trees to grow back and makes the cycle on loop.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from harvesting to the final use of the biofuel. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks precision in reporting the specific technical stages shown in the diagram. For instance, the distinction between 'pre-processing' and the subsequent 'chemical treatment' is slightly blurred. While the overview identifies three stages, the explanation of the cycle is a bit descriptive rather than analytical. To reach a higher band, ensure that all key features, such as the specific inputs and outputs of each stage, are clearly highlighted and compared where appropriate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. Cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'In the consecutive step', and 'At last' are used to signal the progression of the cycle. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the referencing could be improved to avoid repetitive phrasing like 'all plants and trees'. The flow between the production process and the environmental cycle is generally clear, but the connection could be smoother to better integrate the final stage into the overall summary.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'biofuel' used correctly. However, there is a lack of variety in the language used to describe the process. Phrases like 'all plants and trees' are repeated, and the description of the machinery is somewhat simplistic. To improve, try to incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to industrial processes, such as 'convert', 'break down', 'fermentation', or 'by-product'. The current range is sufficient to convey meaning but lacks the flexibility and sophistication required for a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'along the sugars' (should be 'with the sugars') and 'as a energy source' (should be 'as an energy source'). Additionally, some phrasing is slightly awkward, such as 'makes the cycle on loop'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Increasing the variety of complex structures and ensuring better control over articles and prepositions will help improve this score.

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

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