Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The diagram show how ethanol is produced from plants and trees. It also shows the role of carbon dioxide in this process.

Overall, the process have many stages and it is a circular process. It start with growing plants and finish when ethanol is used by different vehicles. Carbon dioxide is produced by vehicles and then it is used again for growing plants.

First, plants and trees grows with the help of sunlight and carbon dioxide. When they are ready, they are harvest by machines. After this, the plants go to pre-processing where they changed into cellulose. The cellulose is then taken to processing stage and it become sugars.

Next, microbes is added to the sugars and ethanol is produced. The ethanol can then used by different transport, including cars, trucks and airplanes. When these vehicles uses ethanol, carbon dioxide are produced and released. This carbon dioxide goes back to the plants and help them to grow. Also, some carbon dioxide is shown from the processing stages. In this way, the process can continue again and again.

Overall, ethanol production is a long process with many different stages before it become useful as a fuel.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all stages of the biofuel production process, from the growth of plants to the final use of ethanol. The main features are identified, and the circular nature of the process is correctly highlighted. However, the description is somewhat simplistic and relies heavily on a chronological listing of steps rather than a more analytical synthesis of the information. While the key stages are present, the report would benefit from a more sophisticated overview that highlights the relationship between the stages more clearly. Overall, the task is addressed adequately, but the level of detail remains basic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Next', and 'In this way' helps to guide the reader through the process. However, the paragraphing is slightly repetitive, and some transitions feel mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, though the flow between the processing stage and the final use of ethanol could be smoother. The overall progression is logical, but the cohesion lacks the flexibility required for a higher band.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. The student uses basic terms like 'plants', 'trees', 'sugars', and 'machines' repeatedly. While the terminology is accurate enough to convey the process, there is little attempt to use more sophisticated or technical vocabulary related to industrial processes (e.g., 'fermentation', 'conversion', 'raw materials'). Spelling is generally accurate, but the range of vocabulary is limited, which prevents the response from reaching a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, particularly regarding subject-verb agreement and verb forms. For example, 'The diagram show' (shows), 'plants and trees grows' (grow), 'they are harvest' (harvested), and 'microbes is added' (are added). These errors are persistent and occur in both simple and complex structures. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of control over basic grammatical rules significantly impacts the score. A wider range of error-free complex structures is needed to improve this criterion.

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