Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The diagram shows how ethanol is produced from plants and trees. It also shows how carbon dioxide is used again in the process.

Overall, there are several stages in the production of ethanol. The process starts with plants growing and finishes when ethanol is used by different vehicles. Carbon dioxide is produced by vehicles and it is also used by plants for growing.

First, plants and trees grow by using sunlight and carbon dioxide. After that, the plants are harvested and they go through a pre-processing stage. In this stage, the plants are changed into cellulose. Then, the cellulose is sent to a processing place where it is changed into sugars.

After this, microbes are added to the sugars and ethanol is produced. The ethanol is then used by different types of transport, such as cars, trucks and airplanes. When these vehicles use ethanol, carbon dioxide is produced and goes into the air. This carbon dioxide is used by the plants again for their growth. In this way, the whole process continues again and again.

There are some differences between the stages, but all of them are connected with each other to produce ethanol.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the ethanol production process, from plant growth to vehicle usage and the recycling of carbon dioxide. The main features are clearly identified, and the cyclical nature of the process is well-described. However, the report is somewhat descriptive rather than analytical. To reach a higher band, you should focus on grouping the stages more effectively and highlighting the 'input' and 'output' aspects of the process more explicitly. While the overview is present, it could be more concise to better reflect the 'main features' rather than just summarizing the steps sequentially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, moving chronologically through the stages. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After that', 'Then', and 'In this way' are used effectively to link the steps. Paragraphing is appropriate, with each stage of the process receiving its own focus. The referencing is clear, and the flow between the production of ethanol and the subsequent release of carbon dioxide is handled well, ensuring the reader understands the cyclical nature of the diagram.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing for a clear description of the process. You use relevant terms such as 'harvested', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', and 'microbes'. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive, relying on simple verbs like 'changed', 'produced', and 'used'. To improve, incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'converted', 'facilitated', 'emitted', or 'sequestered'. The current word choice is functional but lacks the sophistication and variety required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a good control of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. You successfully use passive voice constructions, which are appropriate for describing a technical process (e.g., 'plants are harvested', 'ethanol is produced'). While the grammar is reliable, the range of structures is somewhat restricted. To achieve a higher score, try to integrate more varied complex sentence forms, such as participle clauses or conditional structures, to improve the flow and demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility.

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.