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 diagram illustrates the way of the production of a biofuel which is called ethanol.
Overall, there are several stages to produce ethanol.Initially, the plants use the energy from sunlight and step by step the ethanol is produced and then it is used widely in transportation and then carbon dioxide release from the vehicles to the environment which is then used as energy to the plants and recycling of the process occurs.
At first, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the plant and plants and trees grow and then harvesting occurs. After pre-processing, the cellulose is found which is then processed to get sugars . Sugars are then used by the microbes and finally ethanol is produced.
Ethanol is widely used in different types of vehicles as a fuel. The vehicles release the fuel as carbon dioxide and these gas is released to the environment and finally these are used by the plants and trees.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production cycle, from plant growth to fuel usage and carbon dioxide release. However, the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. For instance, the transition from 'cellulose' to 'sugars' is mentioned, but the specific processes (like pre-processing or fermentation) are not clearly linked to the diagram's technical flow. While all parts of the task are addressed, the report reads more like a basic narrative than a structured summary of a technical process. To improve, focus on grouping related stages more logically and using more precise terminology to describe the transformation of materials.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the cycle. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical. Phrases like 'and then' are used excessively to link sentences, which makes the flow feel simplistic. For example, in the second paragraph, the sequence is linked almost entirely by 'and then'. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'as a result') to create a more sophisticated and natural flow between ideas.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected at higher levels. You rely on general terms like 'plants', 'energy', and 'things'. While you correctly identify 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'ethanol', the overall lexical range is limited. There are also minor issues with word choice, such as 'carbon dioxide release from the vehicles' (should be 'is released') and 'these gas' (should be 'this gas'). To improve, incorporate more specific process-related vocabulary such as 'conversion', 'fermentation', 'by-product', and 'emissions' to demonstrate a more academic tone.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response uses a mix of simple and compound sentences. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors that affect the quality of the writing. For example, 'the way of the production of a biofuel' is wordy and unnatural; 'the plants use the energy... and step by step the ethanol is produced' lacks proper punctuation and structure. Additionally, there are subject-verb agreement issues, such as 'these gas is released' (should be 'this gas is released'). To reach a higher band, focus on reducing these basic errors and attempting more complex sentence structures, such as using passive voice or relative clauses more effectively.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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