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 the harvesting of well-grown plants and trees and ending with the 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 to the sugars to obtain the desired product.

Finally, ethanol is used by different vehicles as a biofuel. Subsequently, using ethanol leads to the emission of carbon dioxide once again used as an energy source by plants and animals and further maintains the cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process. However, the overview is slightly inaccurate; the diagram shows a cyclical process rather than just three distinct stages. While you identified the key steps, the description of the 'pre-processing' and 'chemical treatment' is somewhat vague. To improve, ensure you clearly link the visual information to the text, such as mentioning the specific inputs like 'sunlight' and 'carbon dioxide' as part of the cycle. The summary of the final stage is well-handled, capturing the cyclical nature of the process effectively. Overall, the task is addressed, but more precise detail on the technical steps would elevate the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, each focusing on a specific part of the process. You use cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage,' 'Next,' 'In the consecutive step,' and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the sequence. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the referencing could be more sophisticated. For instance, the transition between the chemical treatment and the addition of microbes is clear, but the flow between the final product and the environmental cycle could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate for a process description, contributing to a coherent overall structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'cellulose,' 'chemical treatment,' and 'microbes' correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'obtain' and 'make.' To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'conversion,' 'fermentation,' or 'by-product.' The word choice is generally accurate and does not impede communication, but it lacks the flexibility and sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some minor grammatical issues, such as 'all plants and trees after receiving... are cut down,' which is slightly clunky. Additionally, the phrase 'all trees are harvested to make them ready for the later stage pre-processing' is grammatically awkward. While you attempt complex sentences, they are not always perfectly controlled. Punctuation is generally correct, and the errors present do not cause difficulty for the reader. Focusing on varying your sentence structure and ensuring subject-verb agreement will help improve your accuracy.

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

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