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)

Ethanol is a biofuel. It is used in cars, trucks,planes and other vehicles. It is formed by several steps.

The procedure includes following steps:-

First, the plants get energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide. The plants grow by help of both sunlight and carbon dioxide. When plants and trees are grown, they are harvested by using tractors. Then the harvested plants are used for pre-processing. After the processing we get cellulose from the plants. Then the cellulose undergo chemical processing by which we extract sugar from it.

After all of this, the microbes are added in the sugar. The addition of microbes gives out the Ethanol(Final Product).

The ethanol is then transported for use in vehicles like Car, Trucks and planes.

The vehicles then emit carbon dioxide from the exhausts which is mixed in air.

The carbon dioxide released in air is then again used by the plants to grow and the process repeats.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from plant growth to vehicle usage. However, the report lacks an overview or a summary of the cyclical nature of the process, which is a key feature of the diagram. The description is somewhat mechanical, listing steps rather than synthesising the information into a cohesive report. To improve, you should aim to group related stages (e.g., the agricultural phase, the chemical conversion phase, and the final usage/recycling phase) and provide a clear introductory summary that highlights the cyclical flow of carbon dioxide.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised chronologically, which helps the reader follow the process. However, the paragraphing is ineffective; the text is broken into too many short, choppy sentences and paragraphs, which disrupts the flow. The use of cohesive devices is quite basic, relying heavily on 'Then' and 'After'. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'as a result') and ensure that your sentences are linked more fluidly to create a more professional, academic tone.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is functional but limited. You rely on simple, repetitive terms such as 'get', 'use', and 'plants'. While the terminology related to the process (e.g., 'cellulose', 'microbes', 'extract') is accurate, the overall range is narrow. There is little attempt to use more sophisticated vocabulary or precise collocations. To improve, try to incorporate more varied verbs and nouns that describe industrial processes, such as 'cultivation', 'conversion', 'fermentation', or 'emissions', to demonstrate a more advanced command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response consists mostly of simple sentences. While the grammar is generally understandable, there are several errors in article usage (e.g., 'in cars, trucks,planes' should be 'in cars, trucks, and planes') and punctuation (e.g., the list format 'steps:-' is informal). There is a lack of complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice, which are essential for describing a technical process. To improve, focus on integrating complex sentences and ensuring consistent subject-verb agreement and correct article usage throughout your writing.

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