Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-23
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 cyclic diagram illustrates the various stages of biofuel production like ethanol.
Overall, the process initiates with plants and trees grow under sunlight, energy and carbon dioxide (photosynthesis) then by passing through a series of steps of harvesting, processing and finally leads to production of ethanol. By following the same procedure, other source of ethanol production includes kinds of vehicles as well.
The step involves the growing of plants then followed by harvesting the ripe crops further leads to pre-processing. Cellulose is formed and afterwards, at lab scale processing finally gives the sugar molecule along with addition of microbes ethanol is prepared. Carbon dioxide is eliminated from various vehicles can also be used as a source of ethanol production by following the same steps of synthesis.
In conclusion, the cycle demonstrates the biofuel production by the addition of microbes to sugar molecule to check the reliability and efficiency of ethanol.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to describe the biofuel production process but fails to clearly communicate the stages shown in the diagram. The description of the process is confusing, particularly the claim that 'Carbon dioxide is eliminated from various vehicles can also be used as a source of ethanol production.' This misinterprets the diagram, which shows carbon dioxide being absorbed by plants. The summary lacks a clear overview of the main features, and the sequence of steps is difficult to follow. The inclusion of irrelevant or inaccurate information regarding vehicle emissions significantly impacts the clarity of the report. To improve, focus on accurately describing the flow of the diagram without adding external, incorrect information.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The transition between the initial growth stage and the lab processing stage is abrupt and lacks clear cohesive devices to guide the reader. Phrases like 'By following the same procedure' are used, but they do not effectively link the ideas because the logic behind the connection is flawed. The conclusion does not effectively summarise the process but instead introduces a vague statement about checking 'reliability and efficiency,' which was not part of the prompt. Better use of linking words such as 'subsequently,' 'following this,' or 'as a result' would help improve the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. While terms like 'photosynthesis,' 'cellulose,' and 'microbes' are used correctly in context, other word choices are awkward or imprecise, such as 'lab scale processing' and 'kinds of vehicles.' There are also issues with word formation and collocation, such as 'plants and trees grow under sunlight' (which should be 'plants and trees growing under sunlight'). The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey basic meaning, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band score. Expanding your range of process-related verbs and nouns would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede understanding. There are issues with sentence structure, such as 'Overall, the process initiates with plants and trees grow under sunlight,' where the verb form is incorrect. Additionally, there are missing articles and awkward phrasing, such as 'Carbon dioxide is eliminated from various vehicles can also be used.' The use of complex sentences is attempted, but they are often poorly constructed or contain errors in subject-verb agreement. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence structures and ensuring that clauses are correctly connected with appropriate prepositions and conjunctions.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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