Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The process diagram illustrate how a biofuel called ethanol is produced.

There are multiple steps of process, this is continuous process where carbon dioxide is working as cycle. This process start with carbon dioxide and also end with it.

First, with the help of energy the plants and trees are grown, the people harvest this trees. After the harvesting it is send for pre-processing. Secondly, from the pre-processing the cellulose is produced, and multiple chemicals are produce. After processing the chemicals sugars are generate. Additionally, in this sugars microbes are added and from this combination the ethanol is produced. Lastly, with the help of ethanol which is also known as a biofuel multiple vehicles such as cars, trucks and planes works. And from this vehicles the carbon dioxide is generate and this CO2 also help in growing the plants and tress, hence this process work in cycle and it is continuous.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from plant growth to the final use in vehicles and the subsequent release of CO2. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear overview of the cyclical nature of the process in the introduction. While the main features are identified, the explanation of the chemical transformation stages (pre-processing to sugar production) is slightly vague. To reach a higher band, you should aim to synthesise the information more effectively rather than simply listing steps, and ensure the overview clearly highlights the key stages of the cycle.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into three short paragraphs, which is a logical approach. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'First', 'Secondly', 'After', 'Additionally', 'Lastly'). The transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'in this sugars microbes are added'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that pronouns clearly refer back to previous nouns would significantly enhance the flow and coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of incorrect word forms, such as 'chemicals are produce' (should be 'produced') and 'sugars are generate' (should be 'generated'). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic verbs like 'grown', 'harvest', and 'added'. To improve, focus on using more precise technical terminology related to industrial processes and ensure that you use the correct verb forms when describing passive actions.

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 distract the reader. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The process diagram illustrate', 'this trees', 'vehicles... works') and incorrect passive voice construction ('CO2 is generate'). While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar and verb tense consistency prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage will help improve your score.

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

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