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 linear process illustrates the production of a biofuel known as ethanol.

Overall, it is apparent that, the cycle balances on mechanical, chemical and biological method for the production of ethanol. It showed that how trees and plants are used as raw materials for producing ethanol. It involves around eight stages.

To begin with, the flora and fauna are grown by sunlight, water and by absorbing carbon dioxide from atmosphere, then they are harvested by mechanical equipment. Afterwards, they are sent for pre-processing where they are crushed into smaller fragments for further processing. Now the complex cellular structure is processed further with chemical methods they obtain sugars. After that, the tiny microbes are added into sugars, fermenting them results the formation of a biofuel (ethanol). The finished ethanol is filled in transportation such as airplanes, trucks and cars, where they combust the fuel to emit carbon dioxide and the gas in atmosphere is absorbed by the plants and trees to commence next cycle.

It is evident that all the stages in production of ethanol are important and essential for keeping the ecosystem balanced, while also maintaining the biodiversity clean.

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 eight stages, from the growth of raw materials to the final combustion and recycling of carbon dioxide. The overview is functional, though it could be more precise by focusing on the transformation of energy rather than just listing the number of stages. You have accurately captured the cyclical nature of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure that the distinction between the 'mechanical, chemical, and biological' methods is more explicitly linked to the specific stages of the diagram, as this would provide a more analytical summary of the information provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Afterwards', and 'Now' helps guide the reader through the stages effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the process description, and the concluding observation. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the final paragraph introduces a subjective interpretation ('maintaining the biodiversity clean') that is not strictly supported by the diagram. Improving the flow between sentences and ensuring that all commentary remains strictly tied to the visual data would enhance the coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'biofuel', 'fermenting', 'combust', and 'cellular structure' correctly. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'flora and fauna' (fauna refers to animals, which are not depicted in the diagram) and 'maintaining the biodiversity clean' (which is slightly unnatural phrasing). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. Incorporating more precise collocations related to industrial processes would strengthen this area.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that persist. For example, 'It showed that how trees...' is redundant, and 'fermenting them results the formation of a biofuel' is missing a preposition ('results in'). Additionally, 'the gas in atmosphere' is missing an article ('the atmosphere'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will help improve your accuracy.

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

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