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 figure illustrate that manufacturing process of ethanol by the use of plants. This consists of step by step process of the production of biofuel.
Firstly, the plants are grown then harvested and by the mean of transport they are send to the Industry where further process is to be done.
Secondly, they are pre processed where the cellulose is extracted from it and send to the processing plant where sugars are being separated from the cellulose.
Thirdly,different types of microorganisms is added in the sugar where fermentation takes place. In that particular area microbes convert the sugar into ethanol.
However, ethanol is used in various type of applications like it is used as fuel in multiple kind of transport vehicle. Some of them are cars, trucks, aeroplanes and many others. When the ethanol is burned in the engine it emit carbon dioxide in the environment. Some of its part is used by the plants as the require carbon dioxide to grow.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from plant growth to the final application. However, the summary lacks a clear overview or 'main feature' statement, which is essential for a Band 6 or higher. The description of the process is somewhat mechanical and lacks the analytical comparison required for a high score. For instance, the transition from the industrial process to the environmental impact is a bit abrupt. To improve, you should include a clear introductory sentence that synthesises the overall process and ensure that the key features are highlighted more effectively rather than just listing steps.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response uses basic cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'Thirdly' to sequence the information. While this provides a logical structure, the use of these markers is somewhat repetitive and mechanical. Paragraphing is present but could be more effectively used to separate the production process from the subsequent applications. Referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'Some of its part', which lacks a precise antecedent. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the reader to follow the process. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and collocation errors, such as 'by the mean of transport' (should be 'by means of transport') and 'send to the Industry' (should be 'sent to the industrial plant'). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and relies on basic terms. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'fermentation', 'extraction', and 'by-products', and ensure correct word forms are used.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues like 'The figure illustrate' (should be 'illustrates') and 'different types of microorganisms is added' (should be 'are added'). Additionally, there are errors in article usage and tense consistency, such as 'they are send' (should be 'they are sent'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to limit the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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