Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-18

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 cyclic processes diagram illustrates the process of the formation of ethanol.

Overall, the biofuel production process consists of various substantial steps. Starts by cultivating trees, followed by harvesting it, passed by pre-processor, finally ends at the formation of ethanol. Which than used as biofuel for transports and carbon dioxide is released in atmosphere to reuse again by plants.

Initially, the plants and trees are cultivated by utilizing sunlight and carbon dioxide from atmosphere, then these trees are harvested by farmers and transferred to the pre-processor. Pre-processor crushed plants and cellulose is formed.

The cellulose is passed through processor , before producing sugar. After that, microbes are added in sugar, as results ethanol is formed. In final stage cars, trucks and aeroplanes used that ethanol and released carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. That carbon dioxide is recycled again. Plants used it from atmosphere to grow and the whole cycle repeats again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the ethanol production cycle. You have covered the key steps from cultivation to consumption and the subsequent recycling of carbon dioxide. However, the overview is slightly underdeveloped; while you mention the process consists of 'various substantial steps,' it would be more effective to explicitly state that it is a cyclical, renewable process. The description of the stages is generally accurate, though some technical details, such as the specific transition from cellulose to sugar, are described in a somewhat simplified manner. To reach a higher band, ensure the overview highlights the cyclical nature of the process more clearly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized logically, following the chronological order of the diagram. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Initially,' 'After that,' and 'In final stage' to guide the reader. However, the paragraphing is weak; the introduction and the first part of the process are merged, and the transition between sentences can feel a bit mechanical. Some referencing is also slightly unclear, such as the use of 'Which than used' at the start of a sentence, which lacks a clear subject. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a distinct focus would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'cultivating,' 'cellulose,' 'microbes,' and 'atmosphere.' There are, however, some noticeable errors in word choice and form, such as 'passed by pre-processor' (should be 'passed through') and 'as results' (should be 'as a result'). Additionally, there are minor grammatical-lexical slips like 'than' instead of 'then.' While these errors do not impede communication, they limit the precision of your writing. Expanding your vocabulary to include more precise verbs and collocations related to industrial processes would improve your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('in atmosphere' instead of 'in the atmosphere') and verb forms ('Pre-processor crushed plants' instead of 'The pre-processor crushes the plants'). Some sentences are fragmented or lack proper subject-verb agreement, such as 'Which than used as biofuel.' While the meaning remains clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from being considered highly accurate. Focusing on consistent tense usage—specifically the present simple for describing processes—and checking for missing articles will help improve your accuracy.

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