Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-24

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 7.5)

the given diagram illustrates the cyclical process by which ethanol, a biofuel, is produced and used.

overall, it is a closed-loop, carbon-neutral cycle consisting of seven main stages, from plant growth to fuel combustion, where the carbon dioxide released during production and consumption is reused by plants.

the cycle begins with plants and trees growing, which absorb energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. once mature, these plants are harvested by a tractor, and then under-go pre-processing in a machine that breaks them down. this produces cellulose, which is then sent to a processing plant or laboratory.

in the laboratory, cellulose is converted into sugars. microbes are than added to the sugars, which ferments them to produce ethanol, the biofuel.

the ethanol is subsequently used as fuel for different modes of transport, namely cars, trucks and aeroplanes. when the fuel is burned, carbon dioxide is emitted from these vehicles.

this carbon dioxide is not wasted; it is released back into the atmosphere and then absorbed again by plants and trees to grow, thus restarting the cycle and making the process sustainable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the ethanol production process, from plant growth to fuel combustion. You have successfully identified the main features and provided a clear overview of the cyclical nature of the process. The information is well-selected, and the logical flow from one stage to the next is accurate according to the diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the 'carbon-neutral' aspect as a key feature in the summary, which you have done well. The response is balanced and addresses the prompt comprehensively without any significant omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the start of the cycle to its conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction/overview from the detailed process steps. Cohesive devices such as 'subsequently', 'once mature', and 'thus' are used appropriately to link ideas. The flow of information is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout. The structure is coherent, and the transition between the laboratory phase and the usage phase is handled well, ensuring the reader can easily follow the cyclical nature of the biofuel production.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'cyclical', 'carbon-neutral', 'ferments', and 'emitted'. The use of terminology is accurate and fits the context of the diagram well. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common technical terms related to chemical processes could elevate the score further. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports clear communication throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response uses a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with relative clauses (e.g., 'where the carbon dioxide released... is reused'). There is a high level of grammatical accuracy, with only minor slips such as the spelling error 'than' instead of 'then' and the hyphenation error 'under-go'. These are rare and do not impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and verb tenses is consistent. The grammatical range is sufficient to convey the process clearly and professionally.

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

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