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 provided diagram illustrates information about complete steps that are used in production of ethanol.
Overall, plants use energy from sunlight before harvesting then goes towards the different biochemical processes with the release of ethanol in the foam of carbon dioxide . At the very first step plants respire carbon dioxide and move for cultivation process . In industries cellulose were extracted and use biochemistry mechanism by adding sugar molecules and microbes for the final production of ethanol that is further used and released carbon dioxide which is present in biogas via vehicles . As a result, after the release of carbon dioxide in environment pattern shifted noticeably, carbon dioxide falling back to the first step .
overall, by use of carbon dioxide regenerate it again in environment and process is contiune in motion .
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 fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While the student attempts to describe the process, the summary is underdeveloped and lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the stages shown in the diagram. Key features, such as the specific stages of harvesting, processing, and the role of the vehicle, are mentioned but not clearly linked or explained in a logical sequence. The overview is also quite vague. To improve, you must ensure all stages are described clearly and the response meets the length requirement to allow for full development of the information provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into two short paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes confusing, such as the phrase 'in the foam of carbon dioxide' which appears to be a misuse of 'form'. The transition between the industrial process and the environmental cycle is abrupt. Paragraphing is present but the overall structure is weak, making it difficult for the reader to follow the flow of the process. More variety in linking words and clearer signposting of the stages would help improve the logical flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and occasionally inaccurate. Phrases like 'biochemistry mechanism' and 'in the foam of carbon dioxide' suggest a lack of precision in technical terminology. There is some attempt to use process-related vocabulary, but it is often used incorrectly or in a way that obscures meaning. To reach a higher band, you should focus on using more precise terminology related to industrial processes and ensure that word choices are contextually appropriate. Avoid relying on repetitive or vague phrasing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that hinder clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'cellulose were extracted' and 'process is contiune'. Sentence structures are generally simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors, such as the final sentence which is a run-on. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and proofreading for common errors in tense and word form.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.