Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-06

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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of producing a biofuel known as ethanol from plant material.

Overall, ethanol is produced through a cyclical process that begins with the growth of plants and trees using sunlight and carbon dioxide. After several stages of processing, the final product is used as fuel for vehicles, while the carbon dioxide released during its use is absorbed by plants, completing the cycle.

Initially, plants and trees grow by using energy from sunlight together with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Once they have matured, they are harvested and sent for pre-processing, where they are broken down into smaller pieces. The processed material is then converted into cellulose, which is transferred to a processing facility.

In the next stage, the cellulose is processed to produce sugars. Microbes are subsequently added to the sugars, resulting in the production of ethanol. Finally, the ethanol is used as a fuel for cars, trucks and aircraft. During combustion, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, where it is later absorbed by growing plants, allowing the entire process to continue in a continuous cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively addresses the prompt by summarizing the ethanol production process. You have clearly identified the main stages, from the initial growth of plants to the final combustion and recycling of carbon dioxide. The overview provided in the second paragraph is excellent, as it captures the cyclical nature of the process, which is a key feature of the diagram. All stages are described in a logical sequence, and the information is accurate based on the provided visual. To reach a higher band, you could focus on highlighting more specific comparisons or technical details, such as the specific inputs or outputs at each transition point, to further demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Once', 'In the next stage', and 'subsequently' creates a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs. The progression of ideas is logical, and the referencing is clear throughout. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the production phase and the environmental cycle is handled effectively. The text is easy to follow, and the logical structure is maintained from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'cyclical', 'matured', 'combustion', and 'atmosphere'. The word choice is generally precise and fits the context well. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors. To improve further, you could incorporate more sophisticated or technical terminology related to industrial processes, such as 'fermentation' or 'raw material', to demonstrate a wider lexical range. However, the current vocabulary is sufficient and used with good control, ensuring that the description remains clear and professional throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'Once they have matured, they are harvested...' and 'During combustion, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, where it is later absorbed...'. These structures are handled with precision. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to support the flow of information. There are no major grammatical slips that impede communication. The control over tense and voice, particularly the use of the passive voice for process description, is consistent and appropriate for this task type.

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