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 process diagram illustrates how a biofuel called ethanol is produced.

Overall, the process involves three main stages which are harvesting, pre-processing of the raw material, and final processing of the material.

Plants and tress grow with the help of energy produced by sunlight and carbon dioxide. When the plants fully grow, they are harvested by using farming techniques. The pre-processing is done on this raw material to extract cellulose from it. After that, cellulose is transported to the processing facility where further operations are done.

After processing, sugars are extracted from cellulose and then microbes are added to it. The final product which is produced is named as ethanol. This biofuel serves as an energy source for transport such as cars, airplanes, and freight vehicles. These vehicles are also the source of carbon dioxide which is formed in the result of burning of fuel. This carbon dioxide again reaches the atmosphere .

Overall, the process is cyclic which uses carbon dioxide and energy from sunlight to produce ethanol.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from plant growth to the final use of the fuel. You have successfully identified the cyclic nature of the process, which is a key feature. However, the description of the middle stages is somewhat generic. For instance, you mention 'further operations are done' without specifying what those operations are, such as the fermentation process or the distillation step shown in typical diagrams of this type. To reach a higher band, ensure you describe the specific transformations shown in the diagram rather than using vague phrases. The overview is clear, but more detail on the technical steps would improve the development of the response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas follows the chronological flow of the diagram. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'After that', 'After processing', and 'Overall' to link your sentences. While the structure is clear, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of linking words and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'this raw material') is used consistently to maintain flow between sentences. Paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'biofuel', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'atmosphere'. The language is generally accurate and appropriate for a process description. However, there is a lack of more sophisticated or precise vocabulary that would elevate the response. For example, instead of 'further operations are done', you could use 'the cellulose undergoes fermentation'. Additionally, some phrasing is slightly unnatural, such as 'formed in the result of burning of fuel'. Expanding your range of technical collocations would help you achieve a higher score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow, and the meaning is rarely obscured by errors. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'Plants and tress grow' (spelling error) and 'The final product which is produced is named as ethanol' (slightly awkward passive construction). You have a good grasp of basic grammar, but to reach a higher band, you should aim to use a wider variety of complex structures with greater precision and fewer minor errors. Punctuation is generally handled well throughout the text.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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