Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The given diagram highlights the process production of biofuel known as Ethanol.

This figure show nature play their role in the formation of Ethanol and how their end products emerges in ecosystem.

Plants and trees requires energy for their growth in the form of sunlight and carbon dioxide then Human harvest this plants and in the pre processing stages its turns into cellulose, a complex molecule after proper processing it converts into sugar. After converting it into most simplest form Fermentation process initiates where sugar is added in a container which also contain microbes which turn sugar into a natural fuel Ethanol.

It is one of the significant energy source in automobiles industry. Various vehicles such as cars, trucks and airplanes frequently used this source of energy for their functioning. Meanwhile, when this molecules breaks it produces carbon dioxide that again added in the environment. So, that's how a complete cycle completed where carbon dioxide is the precursor as well as the final product of Ethanol.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from plant growth to the final fuel usage. However, the description is somewhat informal and lacks the analytical precision required for an Academic Task 1 report. While the cycle is identified, the explanation of the 'pre-processing' and 'fermentation' stages is slightly vague. The response would benefit from a more structured overview that clearly separates the stages of production from the environmental cycle. Additionally, the tone is occasionally conversational, which is less suitable for a formal report. To improve, ensure you clearly highlight the key features of the diagram in a more objective, analytical manner.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised into three short paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical. For example, the transition 'Meanwhile, when this molecules breaks' is slightly awkward, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as 'their end products emerges' where the antecedent is ambiguous. Paragraphing is present but could be more effectively used to separate the production process from the environmental impact. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear logical flow between sentences would significantly enhance the coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate to convey the basic meaning, but it lacks the precision and academic register expected at higher bands. There are several instances of word-choice errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'nature play their role' and 'most simplest form'. The use of 'precursor' is a good attempt at more sophisticated vocabulary, but it is not fully supported by the surrounding text. To achieve a higher score, focus on using more precise scientific terminology and collocations related to industrial processes, while avoiding informal phrasing like 'that's how'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Subject-verb agreement is a recurring issue, such as 'Plants and trees requires' and 'this molecules breaks'. Additionally, there are errors in article usage and pluralisation, such as 'in the automobiles industry' and 'Human harvest this plants'. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy, particularly subject-verb agreement and noun-number agreement, is essential.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.