Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The diagram given displays how ethanol is produced and utilizable as a biofuel. The diagram shows a total of ten steps starting from photosynthesis to the production of ethanol and eventual use in cars or combustible engines. The entire process with its varied components show a kind of cyclic process, in that the process is renewable with time.

From the diagram, the first stage of ethanol production is in plants as they convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy that result in plant growth. The plant are harvested and pre-processed to yield cellulose usable by power plants as raw material for further processing that yields sugars. Sugars are then fermented to give ethanol gas used in the production of biofuel that run car engines, planes and trucks.

Lastly, these fuel engines burn the biofuel to produce carbon dioxide that returns into the air and into circulation. Carbon dioxide through this process is made available to be re-used for photosynthesis, creating a kind of carbon cycle exemplified using the biofuel procedure.

The production of ethanol for biofuel therefore is a part of the carbon cycle when viewed on a larger scale.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production process. You have clearly outlined the stages from photosynthesis to the final combustion in vehicles. The overview is effective, highlighting the cyclic nature of the process. However, the response could be improved by providing more specific detail on the intermediate steps, such as the conversion of cellulose to sugar or the specific role of fermentation. While you have covered the main points, a more analytical approach to the 'comparison' aspect—perhaps by contrasting the inputs and outputs more explicitly—would elevate the response to a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial growth phase through to the final combustion and recycling of carbon. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'From the diagram', 'Lastly', and 'therefore' are used effectively to guide the reader. The flow of information is smooth and easy to follow. To reach a higher band, ensure that referencing remains precise throughout; for example, the transition between the production of ethanol and its use in engines could be linked more tightly to improve the overall cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'photosynthesis', 'cellulose', 'fermented', and 'combustible'. The word choice is generally accurate and appropriate for a technical description. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations or academic synonyms to avoid repetitive phrasing, such as using 'facilitates' or 'converts' instead of 'result in' or 'give'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and grammatically sound. However, there are a few minor errors, such as 'The plant are harvested' (subject-verb agreement) and 'utilizable as a biofuel' (slightly awkward phrasing). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching the highest bands. Increasing the variety of complex sentence structures and ensuring consistent subject-verb agreement will help improve your score in this criterion.

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

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