Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process by which ethanol, a biofuel, is produced from plants and subsequently used as a source of energy.

Overall, it is a cyclical process consisting of several stages, beginning with the growth of plants and trees and culminating in the use of ethanol as a fuel. A notable feature is that carbon dioxide released during fuel consumption is subsequently absorbed by plants, thereby contributing to the continuation of the cycle.

Initially, plants and trees grow by using energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide. Once they have matured, they are harvested and undergo a pre-processing stage, during which the plant material is prepared to produce cellulose. The cellulose is then sent for further processing, resulting in the production of sugars.

In the next stage, microbes are added to the sugars, which leads to the production of ethanol. The resulting biofuel can then be used to power various forms of transport, including cars, trucks and aircraft. The combustion of ethanol releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is subsequently absorbed by growing plants, along with sunlight, allowing the cycle to begin again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively summarizes the process of ethanol production. You have successfully identified the main features, including the cyclical nature of the process and the specific stages from plant growth to fuel combustion. The overview is clear and highlights the key relationship between carbon dioxide absorption and emission. All parts of the prompt are addressed, and the information is accurately presented without unnecessary detail. The logical flow of the process is well-maintained throughout the description, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the diagram. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Once', 'In the next stage', and 'subsequently' are used effectively to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the stages of the cycle. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text, ensuring that the relationship between the different stages remains easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms such as 'cyclical process', 'culminating', 'matured', 'pre-processing', and 'combustion' demonstrate a good level of precision. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for an academic report. While the range is solid, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or topic-specific synonyms could elevate the response further. There are no spelling errors, and the word choice is consistently accurate, contributing to the overall clarity of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('beginning with...', 'thereby contributing to...') and relative clauses ('which leads to...', 'that carbon dioxide released...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and tense is excellent. The grammar is sophisticated enough to convey the information clearly and fluently. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the sentence structures are varied enough to maintain interest.

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