Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-10

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 given chart illustrates the production of the biofuel known as ethanol from trees.

Overall, it is apparent that, the whole cycle of producing biofuel has farming, chemical and natural stages involved. It is evident that, it has nine steps.

To begin with, plants and trees are grown with the factors of sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, etc. Afterwards, the mature trees are harvested by mechanical equipment and sent for pre-processing where, they are crushed into smaller fragments.

Furthermore, the cellulose is extracted from fragments now forwarded for further processing and after that the sugars are separated from it by chemical process. Later, the microbes are added in sugars to form the end product called the Ethanol. Finally, the ethanol produced is used as fuel is filled in transportation such as airplanes, trucks and cars, then they emit carbon dioxide, which is absorbed by plants, maintaining the ecosystem. It is noticeable that, every stage of this cycle is important and sustainable for a clean atmosphere.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production process. You have clearly outlined the stages from cultivation to the final use of the fuel. The overview is functional, though it could be improved by highlighting the cyclical nature of the process more explicitly as a key feature. While you have covered the steps, the description of the chemical processes is somewhat simplified. To reach a higher band, ensure that all technical details provided in the diagram are accurately reflected and that the comparison between the stages is more analytical rather than just a sequential list.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' to link your ideas. However, some of the transitions feel slightly mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, but there are instances where the flow between sentences could be smoother. For example, the connection between the chemical process and the addition of microbes could be more tightly integrated to improve the overall progression of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'cellulose', 'fragments', and 'sustainable'. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'factors of sunlight', which is not the most natural collocation. To improve, try to incorporate more precise technical terminology related to industrial processes and ensure that your word choices are consistently accurate and sophisticated throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical errors, such as the unnecessary comma after 'apparent that' and 'evident that', as well as minor punctuation issues like the comma placement in 'pre-processing where, they are crushed'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on sentence structure and reducing punctuation errors will help improve the overall accuracy of your writing.

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.