Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-20

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 presented diagram illustrates the production of biofuel also called ethanol.

Overall, it can be seen that ethanol production involves a cyclic process in which plants and trees are used as basic product and energy that utilized during production comes from sunlight as well as from carbon dioxide.

To begin with, plants and trees planted when the conditions are favorable ,when they fully grown it can be harvested by farmers. It is a both mechanical and chemical process. After harvesting it was sent to machine for pre-processing where cellulose separated out for further use.

To further analyze the picture, after cellulose carried out it passes to laboratories for further processing from where product formed named sugars. Bacteria called microbes were mixed with this product as a result we got ethanol as a main product which then used in various vehicles to run such as in cars, truck as well as in aeroplanes. All these transporting system release carbon dioxide as a waste product which can be returned back to give energy and the cycle start again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production cycle, from plant growth to the final use in vehicles and the release of carbon dioxide. However, the description is somewhat generic and lacks precision regarding the technical stages shown in the diagram, such as the specific conversion of cellulose to sugar. While the overview is present, it could be more effectively integrated to highlight the cyclical nature of the process. The response addresses the task requirements, but the level of detail is somewhat basic, preventing it from reaching a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, moving from an introduction to the process stages. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'To begin with', 'To further analyze', and 'as a result', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive. The referencing is generally clear, though the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the stages of the process more fluidly rather than relying on simple sequential markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and sophistication expected at higher levels. Phrases like 'basic product' and 'sent to machine' are somewhat simplistic. There are also minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'transporting system' instead of 'transport sector' or 'transportation'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning of the diagram, it does not demonstrate a wide range of less common items or precise collocations related to industrial processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and article usage (e.g., 'when they fully grown it can be harvested', 'after cellulose carried out it passes', 'the cycle start again'). These errors are noticeable and occasionally distract the reader, although they do not prevent the overall meaning from being understood. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensuring consistent tense usage when describing a 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.