Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-15

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 6.0)

The diagram displays the step by step process of the production of biofuel named ethanol.

Overall, the production of ethanol contains 8 steps. first it begins with plants and trees consuming energy from the sun and ends with using ethanol in different vehicles and again releasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere for plant growth.

In the initial step, grown trees and plants absorb sunlight and carbon dioxide for the development of the plants and trees. When trees are mature enough it is harvested using machinery. After that these harvested trees and plants goes for pre-processing, which turns them into cellulose. Subsequently, it again goes for processing to turn them into sugars.

After it is turned into sugar, microbes are added to make ethanols. When ethanols are ready it is used in transports like cars, trucks and aeroplanes. and these vehicles release carbon dioxide, which helps in plants growth. This process keeps repeating to make ethanol.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from the initial growth of plants to the final usage in vehicles. The overview is clear and identifies the cyclical nature of the process. However, the description is somewhat simplistic. To reach a higher band, you should aim to provide more specific detail regarding the technical transitions, such as the conversion of cellulose to sugar and the specific role of fermentation. While the main features are reported, the response lacks a more analytical approach to the comparison of the stages, focusing instead on a basic chronological list.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the diagram. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the stages. Cohesive devices such as 'first', 'after that', 'subsequently', and 'after it is turned into' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the stages more fluidly rather than relying on simple temporal markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using relevant terms like 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'biofuel'. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. For instance, the word 'plants' and 'trees' are used frequently. To improve, you should incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'cultivation', 'conversion', 'fermentation', or 'emissions'. There are minor issues with word choice, such as 'make ethanols' (ethanol is generally uncountable in this context) and 'transports' (which should be 'transportation' or 'vehicles').

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentences. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. Subject-verb agreement is inconsistent, such as 'these harvested trees and plants goes' (should be 'go') and 'When ethanols are ready it is' (should be 'When ethanol is ready, it is'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some sentences starting with lowercase letters after a period. To achieve a higher score, you should focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and refining the use of articles and pluralization.

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

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