Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 how ethanol, which is a type of biofuel, is produced from plants and trees.

Overall, the production of ethanol is a circular process which starts with the growth of plants and ends with the use of ethanol in different types of transport. Carbon dioxide is released during some stages and is then used again when plants grow.

First, plants and trees grow by using energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide. After that, the plants are harvested and taken for pre-processing. During this stage, the plants are changed into cellulose. The cellulose is then sent to a processing plant, where it is converted into sugars.

Next, microbes are added to the sugars in order to produce ethanol. The ethanol can then be used as a fuel for different vehicles, including cars, trucks and airplanes. When these vehicles use ethanol, carbon dioxide is produced and released into the air. This carbon dioxide is then used by plants during their growth. Therefore, the process continues in a cycle, with plants providing the materials needed to produce ethanol and transport producing carbon dioxide for the plants.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively summarizes the main features of the ethanol production process. You have clearly identified the cyclical nature of the process, which is a key feature of the diagram. The stages are presented in a logical sequence, from the growth of plants to the final use of fuel and the subsequent release of carbon dioxide. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is accurate based on the provided diagram. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more specific technical vocabulary related to the process stages (e.g., 'fermentation' or 'distillation') if they were implied, though your current description is clear and accurate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and logical body paragraphs. The use of cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After that', 'Next', and 'Therefore' creates a smooth flow of information. The progression from the growth phase to the production phase and finally the consumption phase is easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed process description. The referencing is clear, and the connection between the stages is well-maintained throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms like 'biofuel', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'circular process' are used correctly. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it remains somewhat standard. To improve, you could integrate more sophisticated collocations or academic terminology to describe the chemical or mechanical transformations occurring in the processing plant. The spelling is accurate throughout, and the word choice is appropriate for a formal report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response displays a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the relative clause in 'ethanol, which is a type of biofuel' and the conditional-like structure in 'When these vehicles use ethanol, carbon dioxide is produced'. The punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing good control over tense and subject-verb agreement throughout the description of the process.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.