Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-26
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)
The diagram illustrates the production of a biofuel called ethanol.
Plants grow using direct sunlight and carbon dioxide. After that these plants become a rich source for the production of ethanol by passing through many different procedures. In the end carbon dioxide produced from burning ethanol goes directly into the environment so it is a renewable process.
In biofuel production, the first step is harvesting in which plants and trees are cutt down and proceed to the next step called pre-processing. In pre-processing wood is obtained from trees. Then the wood is processed to make cellulose. This step is very significant.
In the fourth manufacturing step, the processing of cellulose takes place in factories and in the result sugar is obtained. Further microbes are added into sugar cane and the ethanol is produced from this. The ethanol then used in different vehicles for example, in cars, trucks and in aeroplanes. These vehicles use ethanol and emit carbon dioxide after combustion of ethanol. The carbon dioxide then goes to the environment and becomes a source for the production of trees.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from harvesting to combustion. However, the summary is somewhat descriptive rather than analytical. While you identify the key steps, the overview is a bit simplistic. To improve, ensure you highlight the cyclical nature of the process more clearly in the introduction or overview. Some details, such as the mention of 'sugar cane' in the fourth step, are not explicitly supported by the provided diagram, which shows 'sugar' being derived from cellulose. Accuracy in reporting visual data is crucial for Task 1. Overall, you have addressed the prompt, but the report lacks a cohesive summary of the main trends or features.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. You use some cohesive devices like 'After that', 'Then', and 'In the end', but these are somewhat repetitive and mechanical. The transition between the manufacturing steps and the final usage of ethanol is clear. However, the paragraphing could be improved by grouping the stages more effectively—for instance, separating the 'production' phase from the 'consumption' phase. Referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be smoother with a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect the stages of the cycle more naturally.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'biofuel', 'combustion', 'cellulose', and 'renewable'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'cutt down' is a spelling error, and 'proceed to the next step' is slightly awkward in this context. You rely on basic verbs like 'make' and 'get'. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary, such as 'convert', 'extract', or 'facilitate'. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher band scores.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The ethanol then used in different vehicles' (missing auxiliary verb 'is') and 'cutt down' (spelling). Additionally, there are minor punctuation and article usage issues, such as 'in the result sugar is obtained'. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential when describing industrial or scientific processes.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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