Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-13

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 given diagram illustrates the process of the production of biofuel and ethanol.

Overall, it is a cyclic process which begins with the plants and ends with the formation of ethanol which is used by different means of transport. This whole process consists of various stages such as harvesting, pre-processing and processing.

Initially, plants and trees use sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow, once they are matured, they are harvested using a machinery attached with the tractors. After that, the harvested plants are sent for pre-processing in which they are fed into the machines from one end and the seeds are separated from the other end. It results in cellulose that goes through the step called processing which cellulose is converted into a sugar.

Then the microbes are added in the sugar to form the final product ethanol which is used by aeroplanes, trucks and cars that release carbon-dioxide into the atmosphere. Finally, this caron dioxide released from these vehicles is absorbed by the trees and plants which again continues the same process.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production cycle. You have clearly outlined the stages from plant growth to the final usage in transport and the subsequent absorption of carbon dioxide. The overview is accurate and captures the cyclic nature of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the specific inputs and outputs at each stage, such as the role of 'cellulose' and 'sugar' more precisely. While you have covered the process well, adding a bit more detail regarding the specific machinery or the conversion process would strengthen the response further.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a body paragraph describing the process, and a concluding sentence that ties the cycle together. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After that', 'Then', and 'Finally' helps the reader follow the sequence of events effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed process. To improve, ensure that the transition between the pre-processing and processing stages is smoother, as the current phrasing feels slightly abrupt. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'harvested', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'atmosphere'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'machinery attached with the tractors' (should be 'attached to') and 'used by different means of transport' (could be more precise). The vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, but there is room to incorporate more sophisticated, topic-specific collocations to demonstrate a wider range. The spelling is accurate throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'which cellulose is converted into a sugar' (should be 'where cellulose is converted' or 'in which cellulose is converted') and 'the microbes are added in the sugar' (should be 'to the sugar'). Additionally, 'caron dioxide' is a spelling error. The majority of sentences are understandable, but the frequency of these minor errors prevents a higher score. Focusing on prepositions and relative clauses will help improve your accuracy.

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

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