Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-22
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 illustrates the process of ethanol biofuel. The process start with a growing trees and plants and end with releasing carbon dioxide from used fuel But this is a recycled process.
Overall, the process consists of many stages, beginning with plants and tree growth and ending with Ethanol and after used fuel ethanol turns into the carbon dioxide. This cycle moves continuously.
Initially, the process begin with growing plants and trees with sufficient source of energy such as sunlight and carbon dioxide. After the tree grows the process of harvesting started for pre- processing methods then they turn into cellulose.
Secondly, The main processing begin that produced sugar In which Microbes added. Then finally ethanol produced which is useful as a fuel for various transportations such as in car, bus, airplane and further more vehicles. Meanwhile this process does not harm environment as there is a significant reason behind that the carbon dioxide that released get recycled into the initial stage.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from plant growth to fuel usage and carbon recycling. However, the description is somewhat superficial. While the main features are identified, the explanation of the process lacks technical precision; for instance, the transition from 'harvesting' to 'cellulose' and then to 'sugar' is mentioned, but the specific mechanisms (like fermentation) are omitted. The overview is present but could be more effectively integrated. To improve, ensure that all key stages shown in the diagram are clearly linked and described with greater accuracy to demonstrate a full understanding of the process flow.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the cycle. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Secondly', and 'Meanwhile' are used to connect ideas. However, some transitions feel mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the sentence 'the carbon dioxide that released get recycled'. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the flow between sentences could be smoother. Improving the variety of cohesive devices and ensuring that pronouns clearly refer back to their antecedents would enhance the overall coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe the process clearly. There are some attempts at topic-specific vocabulary like 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'recycled'. However, there are several word-choice errors and awkward phrasings, such as 'the process start with a growing trees' (should be 'the process starts with the growth of trees') and 'various transportations' (should be 'various forms of transport'). The range is sufficient to convey the main points, but more precise terminology and better control over collocations would be required for a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that affect the accuracy of the writing. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('the process start', 'the process begin'), missing articles ('with a growing trees'), and tense inconsistencies ('the carbon dioxide that released get recycled'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are persistent throughout the text. To improve, the student should focus on basic subject-verb agreement, consistent verb tenses, and the correct use of articles, which would significantly improve the clarity and professional tone of the report.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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