Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-16

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 the process of producing ethanol from plants and trees.

Overall, the process consists of several stages, beginning with the growth of plants and ending with the use of ethanol as a fuel. Carbon dioxide is released during the final stage and is then used again by plants.

First, plants and trees grow by using energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide. When they are fully grown, they are harvested. The harvested plants then go through a pre-processing stage, where they are prepared to produce cellulose.

Next, the cellulose is sent to a processing plant, where it is converted into sugars. Microbes are then added to the sugars, which leads to the production of ethanol. The ethanol can subsequently be used as fuel for different types of transport, including cars, trucks and airplanes.

Finally, these vehicles release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is used by plants and trees during their growth. Therefore, the process forms a continuous cycle in which plants are grown, converted into ethanol, and used as fuel.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

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 concise and accurately captures the cyclical nature of the process. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is presented in a logical, sequential manner. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more specific details from the diagram, such as the specific inputs (e.g., sunlight, water) or the specific types of processing equipment mentioned, to provide a more comprehensive summary of the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph focuses on a distinct stage of the process, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events easily. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Next', 'subsequently', and 'Therefore' to link ideas effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the production process and the environmental cycle is smooth. The flow of information is natural and contributes to a coherent overall report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms like 'harvested', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', and 'microbes' are used correctly in context. The language is precise and appropriate for a technical description. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it remains somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you could integrate more sophisticated or precise collocations related to industrial processes, such as 'facilitates the conversion' or 'by-product', to demonstrate a more flexible and academic command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'The ethanol can subsequently be used as fuel for different types of transport, including cars, trucks and airplanes.' The use of passive voice is appropriate for describing a process, and there are no significant errors in punctuation or syntax. The sentences are generally error-free, and the control over complex structures is consistent throughout the text, which supports clear communication.

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