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 the process of producing ethanol from plants and trees and shows how carbon dioxide is recycled during the process.

Overall, there are several stages in the production of ethanol, beginning with the growth of plants and ending with the use of ethanol as fuel. It is also a continuous cycle because the carbon dioxide released from vehicles is used by plants again.

First, plants and trees grow by using sunlight, energy and carbon dioxide. When they are fully grown, they are harvested and sent for pre-processing. The material is then changed into cellulose. After this, the cellulose goes through a processing stage, where it is converted into sugars.

In the final stages, microbes are added to the sugars to produce ethanol. The ethanol is then used as fuel for cars, trucks and airplanes. These vehicles release carbon dioxide into the air. Finally, this carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants, allowing the cycle to begin again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production process. You have clearly outlined the stages from plant growth to fuel usage and the recycling of carbon dioxide. The overview is effective in highlighting the cyclical nature of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure you include more specific details from the diagram, such as the specific inputs (e.g., sunlight, water) or the specific outputs mentioned in the visual data. While the summary is accurate, it could benefit from a more detailed description of the conversion stages to fully demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the provided information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the sequence of the diagram. The use of cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After this', and 'In the final stages' helps the reader follow the process easily. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction/overview from the procedural steps. The progression of ideas is clear throughout the text. To improve, you could vary your cohesive devices further to avoid relying on simple sequencing words, which would enhance the flow and make the transitions between stages feel more sophisticated.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'harvested', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', and 'microbes'. The terminology is accurate and relevant to the task. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional and lacks the more precise, academic collocations that would elevate the response to a higher band. For example, instead of 'changed into', using 'converted into' or 'transformed into' is more appropriate for a technical process. Expanding your range to include more precise verbs and nouns related to industrial or biological processes would strengthen this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly. You have successfully used passive voice constructions, such as 'are harvested' and 'is converted', which are essential for describing processes. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or more advanced conditional structures to describe the cycle, which would demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility.

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