Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The diagram below illustrates how a biofuel called ethanol is made.
Overall, the procedure for making the biofuel called ethanol is described step-by-step. Regarding the first step, due to energy such as sunlight and carbon dioxide, plants and trees are grown, which are then harvested using agricultural machines, like tractors. Moreover, in the second step, the pre-processing starts, where plants and trees are put in a machine to grind or crushed into small pieces. The post-crushed materials form cellulose. After that, the processing starts, where the materials are converted into sugar. Furthermore, microbes are added to the materials; from this process, ethanol is produced. Ethanol can be used in transportation equipment such as trucks, cars, and aeroplanes. Then those transportation-related machines produce carbon dioxide, which was the source of energy for the first step to grow plants and trees.
In conclusion, the production of biofuel called ethanol was shown step-by-step. Moreover, it is a renewable energy that can be produced, which is almost like a circle than can be repeatedly spun.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from the growth of plants to the final use in transportation. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview of the cyclical nature of the process in the introduction. While the key stages are identified, the response could be improved by grouping the stages more logically (e.g., cultivation, processing, and utilization) rather than listing them sequentially. The conclusion attempts to summarize the cycle, but it is slightly repetitive. To reach a higher band, ensure the 'main features' are highlighted more distinctly in the opening paragraph.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and the progression of ideas is generally clear. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'After that', and 'Furthermore' are used to link sentences. However, some of these transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive. The referencing is generally clear, though the connection between the final stage and the beginning could be more smoothly integrated into the main body rather than just mentioned at the end. Paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding of the process.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with terms like 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'renewable energy' used correctly. However, there is a lack of variety in the descriptive language. Phrases like 'the procedure... is described step-by-step' and 'the processing starts' are somewhat simplistic. There are also minor awkward phrasings, such as 'a circle than can be repeatedly spun', which is not a standard collocation. To improve, try to use more precise verbs and nouns related to industrial processes, such as 'fermentation' or 'conversion'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'due to energy such as sunlight and carbon dioxide' (which is slightly awkward) and 'grind or crushed' (should be 'ground or crushed'). While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a lack of full control over complex structures. The use of passive voice is generally appropriate for a process description, but the sentence variety could be enhanced by using more sophisticated subordinating conjunctions or participial phrases to connect the stages of the diagram.
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.