Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the manufacturing process of a biofuel called ethanol.

Overall, the process involves eight stages, beginning with the absorption of energy by trees and ending with the production of ethanol that is used by different modes of transportation. A complex stage involves processing cellulose in laboratories.

Initially, the process begins with the absorption of energy, which is a combination of sunlight and carbon dioxide. This energy causes the plants and trees to mature; next, these trees and plants are harvested by a farmer. In the next stage, the harvested crops are pre-processed by a mixer; they turn into finer particles. These tiny particles form a cellulose structure.

In the subsequent stage, the cellulose structure is processed in laboratories by scientists. Then, an organic structure of sugar is produced. Next, some microbes are added to the organic structure of sugar. Finally, by adding microbes, a biofuel called ethanol is produced. This ethanol can be supplied as a fuel to cars, trucks and airlines. In return, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and this process continues to produce ethanol.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production process. You have clearly outlined the stages from the absorption of energy to the final use of the fuel. The overview is concise and effectively captures the cyclical nature of the process. However, the description of the 'cellulose structure' and the 'organic structure of sugar' is slightly vague. To reach a higher band, ensure that the technical transitions between stages are described with more precision, perhaps by explicitly mentioning the role of the 'mixer' or the specific chemical transformation implied by the diagram. Overall, the response is accurate and covers all key stages of the provided visual information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a brief overview, and a sequential description of the process. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'next', 'In the subsequent stage', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the steps. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed process description. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. To improve further, try to vary the sentence starters even more to avoid a slightly repetitive structure in the final paragraph, and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'this process') clearly links back to the entire cycle.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'manufacturing process', 'absorption', 'harvested', and 'microbes'. The language is generally precise and appropriate for an academic report. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or technical terminology related to biofuel production, such as 'fermentation' or 'conversion', rather than relying on general terms like 'organic structure of sugar'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. You have successfully used passive voice constructions, which are appropriate for describing a process (e.g., 'ethanol is produced', 'crops are pre-processed'). There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication. To improve, you could experiment with more complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or participle phrases to combine steps, which would enhance the flow and demonstrate a wider grammatical range.

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