Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-11

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 6.5)

The diagram given illustrates the process of producing ethanol, a famous biofuel utilised in several scenarios.

Overall, producing ethanol is a lengthy experience, stemming from the growth of plants and trees before enduring six more stages to conjure up the final substance. Following the production of ethanol, it is then used as a source of biological fuel in several vehicles. It is a cyclical process.

First of all, plants and trees grow with the aid of sunlight and carbon dioxide provided by the sun and the atmosphere respectively, essentially acting like a source of energy. They are then harvested using a designated machine and the collected material undergoes pre-processing, producing cellulose. It is this substance that is then processed into sugars. The last step involves the addition of microbes to form the desired concoction: ethanol.

This ethanol is then used as a form of biological fuel in many different vehicles including cars, trucks and airplanes. As they burn through the fuel, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, used by plants for growth and allowing for continuous production of ethanol.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the process, from plant growth to the final use of ethanol. The overview effectively captures the cyclical nature of the process. However, the description of the stages is slightly simplistic. For instance, the transition from 'harvested' to 'pre-processing' and then to 'cellulose' is described, but the specific inputs or outputs (such as the fermentation stage) are not explicitly named or detailed as clearly as they could be. The report is accurate but lacks the level of detail required for a higher band, as it misses some technical nuances presented in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. The progression of ideas follows the chronological order of the diagram well. Cohesive devices such as 'Following the production', 'First of all', and 'This ethanol' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear separation between the production process and the subsequent usage. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between the stages is easy to follow, demonstrating a good command of organizational structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, with terms like 'biofuel', 'cellulose', and 'microbes' used correctly. However, there are some instances of imprecise word choice. For example, describing the process as a 'lengthy experience' is unnatural in a technical report; 'process' or 'sequence' would be more suitable. Similarly, 'conjure up' is too informal and idiomatic for an academic task. While the range is adequate to convey the meaning, the lack of more precise, academic collocations prevents a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writing demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. There is a good use of passive voice, which is appropriate for describing a process (e.g., 'plants and trees are harvested', 'ethanol is then used'). While the grammar is solid, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text.

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.