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 producing biofuel , known as ethanol.
It is explicitly observed that the initial step involved is the cultivation of trees and plants with the help of sunlight and carbon dioxide and the process ends with the ethanol being used as fuel for cars , trucks and aircrafts.
Initially, after the growth and harvesting of plants and trees which further undergoes pre-processing which will basically produce cellulose. The process is followed by sending cellulose for processing which will result in the form of sugar.
Afterwards microbes are added to the sugars and produces ethanol. Ultimately ethanol is used as type of fuel in several transportation facilities.
Overall, the cars and trucks and aircrafts releases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the cycle repeats similarly. Where carbon dioxide reaches plants and tress and combines with sunlight and goes for the process for the harvesting and continues the same process again and again.
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 the cultivation of plants to the final usage in transportation. However, the description of the process is somewhat simplistic. For instance, the transition from 'cellulose' to 'sugar' is described as 'sending cellulose for processing', which lacks the technical detail expected in an Academic Task 1 response. While the cycle of carbon dioxide is mentioned, the response could be improved by more clearly highlighting the key features of the diagram, such as the specific inputs and outputs at each stage. The overview is present but could be more integrated into the summary of the process.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Afterwards', and 'Ultimately' are used to sequence the steps. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally repetitive, such as the repeated use of 'the process' and 'the same process'. Paragraphing is used, but the final paragraph is a bit disjointed from the preceding steps. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between the production stages and the environmental cycle would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, using terms like 'cultivation', 'harvesting', and 'microbes'. However, there is a lack of more sophisticated or precise terminology that would elevate the response. Phrases like 'sending cellulose for processing' and 'used as type of fuel' are somewhat basic. There are also some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'transportation facilities' to describe vehicles. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes and chemical transformations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'the initial step involved is the cultivation... and the process ends' (tense inconsistency) and 'cars and trucks and aircrafts releases' (subject-verb agreement error). Additionally, punctuation is inconsistent, particularly with the placement of commas before 'and'. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent verb tenses throughout the description of a process is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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