Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-14

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 picture gives an information on the different stages in the production of a biofuel known as ethanol through sunlight and a combination of carbon dioxide.

Overall, there are basically 7 different stages before an ethanol can be produced and also being used by cars, trucks and aeroplanes.

The process began by harvesting of plants and then sent into the pre-process machine that crushes these plants into smaller particles or cellulose. Moreso, the cellulose are further taken to a larger machine that carried out the major processing, which likely entails filtering the crushed plants to remove unwanted substances that can affect the final production and also sterilise to destroy any living microorganisms such as bacteria and fungus.

Further more, during this period some amount of sugar were added to produce microbes that will finally convert the whole substances into an ethanol which can be consumers by cars, trucks and aeroplanes which in turns generates carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response provides a basic overview of the ethanol production process, but it fails to cover all stages shown in the diagram. Key steps, such as the fermentation process and the distillation/dehydration stages, are omitted or described inaccurately. The summary lacks a clear focus on the 'main features' and comparisons, instead providing a somewhat disjointed narrative. The description of the process is incomplete, as it misses the conversion of cellulose to sugar and the specific role of fermentation. To improve, ensure all steps in the diagram are identified and described in a logical sequence, focusing on the transformation of materials throughout the cycle.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. While some cohesive devices are used, such as 'Moreso' and 'Further more', they are sometimes used incorrectly or with awkward punctuation. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when referring to the 'larger machine' or 'whole substances'. The flow between the stages of the process could be improved by using more precise transition signals to indicate the sequence of events, such as 'subsequently', 'following this', or 'once the process is complete'.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'can be consumers by cars' (should be 'consumed') and 'gives an information' (should be 'provides information'). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic terms like 'machine' and 'plants'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more specific technical terminology related to industrial processes, such as 'fermentation', 'distillation', 'by-product', or 'conversion'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('the cellulose are', 'some amount of sugar were added') and incorrect verb forms ('can be consumers'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and the spacing of 'Further more'. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic subject-verb agreement and consistent verb tense usage will significantly improve your accuracy.

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.