Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process by which ethanol biofuel is produced from plants and trees.

Overall, ethanol production is a cyclical process involving several stages, beginning with the growth and harvesting of plants and ending with the use of ethanol as a fuel for different forms of transportation. A notable feature of the process is that carbon dioxide released during production and consumption is reused by plants during their growth.

Initially, plants and trees grow by using energy from sunlight and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Once they have fully grown, they are harvested and then sent for pre-processing. At this stage, the plant material is broken down, after which cellulose is obtained. The cellulose is subsequently processed and converted into sugars.

Following this, microbes are added to the sugars in order to produce ethanol. The finished biofuel can then be used to power vehicles such as cars, trucks and airplanes. When ethanol is burned by these means of transportation, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. This gas is then absorbed by plants, together with sunlight, allowing the entire production cycle to begin again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response effectively summarizes the process of ethanol production. You have clearly identified the main stages, from the initial growth of plants to the final consumption of fuel and the subsequent recycling of carbon dioxide. The overview is well-constructed, highlighting the cyclical nature of the process, which is a key feature of the diagram. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is accurately reported without any significant omissions. The logical flow of the process is maintained throughout, demonstrating a clear understanding of the visual information provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the beginning to the end of the cycle. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, the overview, and the detailed steps of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Once', 'Following this', and 'subsequently' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the stages. The referencing is clear, and the relationship between the different parts of the process is well-managed, ensuring that the text reads smoothly and coherently.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms such as 'cyclical process', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', and 'microbes' are used correctly in context. The language is precise and appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms to describe the transformation stages, which would elevate the response to a higher band level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'Once they have fully grown, they are harvested and then sent for pre-processing.' The use of passive voice is appropriate for a process description, and the punctuation is accurate throughout. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To reach a higher band, you could experiment with more varied complex sentence structures or reduced relative clauses to improve the flow and sophistication of the writing.

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

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