Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-25

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 6.0)

The diagram illustrates the cyclic process of producing a biofuel known as ethanol.

Overall, Ethanol is seven step process involving the energy of the sun and carbon dioxide for the plants to grow from there it is harvested, processed and microbes are added to produce ethanol. This biofuel is used in vehicles and the emission of carbon dioxide is used by the trees.

Initially, The energy from sun and carbon dioxide is used for the trees to grow. Then, it is harvested and preprocessed which results formation of cellulose. After, more processing is done to form to sugars, microbes are added which gives biofuel ethanol.

In addition to, the fuel is used in various modes of transport which burns and releases carbon dioxide. This emission is mixed in the air and this gas is absorbed by the plants and trees which is used for their nutrition and this cycle continues.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production cycle, from plant growth to fuel combustion and carbon absorption. 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 process could be described with more precision regarding the stages shown in the diagram. While the main features are identified, the overview is a bit repetitive and could better highlight the cyclical nature of the process as a key feature. The response meets the minimum length requirement, but the level of detail remains basic throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Then', and 'In addition to' are used to link ideas. However, some of these transitions feel slightly mechanical or are used incorrectly, such as 'In addition to, the fuel is used...', where the prepositional phrase is used as a sentence starter. Referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved to sound more natural. The paragraphing is appropriate for a process description, but the overall progression of ideas is somewhat predictable.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using terms like 'biofuel', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'emission'. However, the range is limited and there are some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'results formation of cellulose' (missing 'in the') and 'gives biofuel ethanol'. The repetition of basic verbs like 'used' and 'added' limits the sophistication of the writing. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more precise technical vocabulary and vary your word choices to describe the chemical and mechanical processes more effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that, while not impeding communication, are noticeable. Examples include 'Ethanol is seven step process' (missing articles), 'results formation of' (missing preposition), and 'After, more processing is done to form to sugars' (incorrect preposition usage). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but there are some issues with comma usage after introductory phrases. The control of grammar is inconsistent, which prevents the writing from reaching a higher band score.

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

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