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 diagram demonstrates the process of produce growth. completing the ethanol from plants and trees.

Overall, this is cycle process it is consists of seven stages. It starts with growing plants and trees and ends with the release of carbon dioxide by vehicles, which is then absorbed for further growth.

Initially, Plants are grown by sunlight and carbon dioxide. They are than harvested and undergo pre-processing. After this, Cellulose is obtained and sent for further processing. During this process cellulose is converted into sugars.

In the next stage, microbes are added to the sugars, which result in the production of ethanol. However, the ethanol is used as a fuel in the different type of the vehicles, including cars, trucks and aircraft. Subsequently, these vehicles use ethanol, carbon dioxide is then absorbed by plants and used for their growth, competing the cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production cycle, but it fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the overall task achievement. While the key features are identified, the description is somewhat superficial. The summary of the process is clear, but the lack of sufficient detail and the failure to reach the minimum length prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure you expand on the descriptions of each stage and provide a more comprehensive overview of the process to meet the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally inaccurate, such as 'However, the ethanol is used as a fuel' where a contrast is not actually present. Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the overall progression of ideas needs to be more sophisticated to achieve a higher band score. Focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring they are used in the correct context.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it is quite limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'different type of the vehicles' and 'process of produce growth' show a lack of precision and some awkward phrasing. There is little evidence of less common or more sophisticated vocabulary related to industrial processes. To improve, try to incorporate more precise terminology related to the diagram, such as 'fermentation,' 'distillation,' or 'raw materials,' and avoid repeating basic words. Expanding your range of vocabulary will help you convey information more effectively and accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Examples include 'this is cycle process it is consists of', 'Plants are grown by sunlight', and 'competing the cycle' (instead of 'completing'). These errors, while not always impeding communication, are frequent enough to be noticeable. The control over articles and verb forms needs improvement. To reach a higher band, focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring that complex sentences are constructed accurately without unnecessary word repetitions.

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

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