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)

This process diagram illustrates the in what way a biofuel called ethanol is produced.

Overall, the whole process do follow a linear multi stage sequences which begins with the usages of natural energy sources, and ends by making the final product ethanol.

At first stage, it is clear that trees and plants absorb sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow. After maturing enough a tractor is being used to cut down these plants and trees. At this point, a machine is being used to crush these plants to separate cellulose, before sending it to the processing plant where these transformed into sugars.

After completing this stage, microbes being added to these sugars. At final stage, the end product ethanol is ready to be used in different transportation systems(Cars, Trucks, planes). When these vehicles use ethanol, consequently they emit carbon dioxide, and goes to the atmosphere again.

In conclusion, making ethanol follows a sequential method before repeating the same cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the ethanol production process, from the growth of plants to the final emission of carbon dioxide. The overview is clear and identifies the cyclical nature of the process. However, the description of the stages is somewhat simplistic. For instance, the transition from 'processing plant' to 'sugars' is a bit vague, and the inclusion of specific machinery (like the tractor) is well-noted, but the explanation could benefit from more precise terminology regarding the chemical or physical transformations involved. Overall, the main features are highlighted, and the response successfully summarizes the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized logically, following the sequence of the diagram. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction, the body of the process, and the conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'At first stage', 'After completing this stage', and 'In conclusion' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing, such as 'these transformed into sugars', where the pronoun reference is slightly awkward. Despite these minor flaws, the progression of ideas is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, using terms like 'biofuel', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'transportation systems'. There are some instances of slightly unnatural phrasing, such as 'the usages of natural energy sources' and 'do follow a linear multi stage sequences'. While the range is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band. The word choice is functional but occasionally repetitive, and some collocations are slightly off, such as 'making the final product'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement ('the whole process do follow') and article usage ('the in what way'). Additionally, there are missing auxiliary verbs or prepositions, such as 'microbes being added' (should be 'are added') and 'goes to the atmosphere' (should be 'is released into'). While these errors are noticeable, they do not significantly impede the reader's understanding of the process. A greater variety of error-free complex sentences is needed for a higher score.

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