Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-07

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 5.0)

The picture illustrates how ethanol is made.

the processes for the production of ethanol consist of 8 steps, from planting a trees to adding microbes, and the final stage of usage

firstly, a tree is been planted and in order to grow well it absorb energy from the sun and carbon dioxide, it then been harvested by an individual and loaded in a truck, after which it undergoes a pre-processing stage where the trees are inserted to a machine and are chopped into smaller particles to form cellulose. This cellulose are taking into a laboratory so chemicals can be added to it to form sugar, then the scientists adds microbes then we get a final result of ethanol.

This ethanol serves as fuel in cars, lorries, and planes, which in return this vehicles produces carbon dioxide that are useful for the growth of this trees. And the cycle continually.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.0
Coherence and Cohesion5.0
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While the main stages of the process are identified, the summary lacks a clear overview or 'main features' paragraph, which is essential for Task 1. The description is somewhat simplistic and relies heavily on a step-by-step narrative rather than synthesizing the information. To improve, you should provide a clear introductory overview of the process and ensure the response length is sufficient to fully cover all stages of the diagram without being repetitive.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay lacks proper paragraphing, which makes it difficult to follow the logical progression of the process. While some cohesive devices like 'firstly' and 'after which' are used, the overall structure is fragmented. The sentences are often run-on or lack clear transitions between the stages of the cycle. To improve, organize your writing into clear paragraphs: an introduction, an overview of the main process, and detailed body paragraphs. Use a wider variety of linking words to connect the stages of the biofuel production cycle more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'a tree is been planted' and 'final result' are functional but lack the precision required for an academic report. There are also issues with word choice, such as 'inserted to a machine' instead of 'fed into a machine'. To achieve a higher band, incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'conversion', 'fermentation', or 'raw materials', and avoid informal phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, particularly with verb tenses and passive voice construction. For example, 'a tree is been planted' is incorrect; it should be 'a tree is planted'. Additionally, 'this cellulose are taking' shows a subject-verb agreement error. The sentence structures are mostly simple or contain errors when attempting complexity. To improve, focus on mastering the passive voice, which is essential for process descriptions, and ensure consistent subject-verb agreement and correct article usage.

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

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