Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates how ethanol, which is a type of biofuel, is produced from plants and trees.

Overall, the process consists of several stages, starting with the growth of plants and ending with the production and use of ethanol. It is also a circular process because carbon dioxide released from vehicles is used again when plants grow.

First, plants and trees grow with the help of sunlight and carbon dioxide. When they are fully grown, they are harvested using machinery. The harvested plants then go through a pre-processing stage before being changed into cellulose.

Next, the cellulose is sent to a processing plant, where it is converted into sugars. After that, microbes are added to the sugars. This produces ethanol, which can then be used as fuel for different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks and aeroplanes.

When these vehicles use ethanol as fuel, they release carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide returns to the beginning of the process and is used by plants during their growth. In this way, the production and use of ethanol forms a continuous cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production process. You have clearly outlined the stages from the growth of plants to the final use of fuel and the subsequent recycling of carbon dioxide. The overview is effective, highlighting the cyclical nature of the process. However, to reach a higher band, you could provide more specific detail regarding the 'pre-processing' stage or the conversion process, as these are key components of the diagram. The report is accurate and covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear summary of the information presented in the visual.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a well-defined overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'First', 'Next', 'After that', and 'In this way', to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the cycle. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the stages is clearly established. The use of referencing, such as 'this carbon dioxide' and 'these vehicles', helps maintain cohesion throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately, including terms like 'biofuel', 'harvested', 'cellulose', and 'microbes'. The language is natural and appropriate for a technical description. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it lacks a few more sophisticated or less common lexical items that would elevate the response to a higher band. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the terminology used is consistent with the subject matter of the diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the use of relative clauses ('which is a type of biofuel') and conditional-like structures ('When these vehicles use ethanol... they release...'). The punctuation is accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing a high level of control. To improve further, you could incorporate a wider variety of complex sentence patterns, such as passive voice constructions, which are particularly suitable for describing industrial processes.

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