Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates how ethanol, a type of biofuel, is produced through different steps.This cycle for biofuel production involves three main stages: harvesting and preparing plant material for processing, producing ethanol by chemical processing, then using the fuel for transportation, before the cycle begins again.

Overall, it can be seen that producing ethanol is a very simple one, which consists of nine basic steps. The process starts with utilizing energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and ends with uses ethanol by various vehicles.

At the first stage of the process, plants and trees use sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow. Once mature, they are harvested. Subsequently, the harvested materials undergo pre-processing to obtain cellulose. Then cellulose then entres the processing stage. Here, it is converted into sugars and with the addition of microbes, ethanol is produced.

In the following stage of the process, ethanol serves as a fuel of various vehicles such as cars, trucks, and airplanes. During the combustion of ethanol in these vehicles, carbon dioxide is emitted back into the atmosphere.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production cycle. You have clearly outlined the three stages: plant growth, chemical processing, and vehicle usage. The overview is concise and effectively summarizes the cyclical nature of the process. However, to reach a higher band, you could provide more specific detail regarding the inputs and outputs at each stage, such as mentioning the specific conversion of cellulose to sugar. The description is accurate and covers all parts of the diagram well, providing a clear summary of the process flow.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the diagram. Cohesive devices such as 'subsequently', 'then', and 'in the following stage' are used effectively to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is appropriate, separating the stages of the cycle logically. The progression of ideas is clear throughout the text, and referencing is generally accurate, ensuring the reader can easily follow the sequence of events described in the diagram.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'biofuel', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'combustion'. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it lacks a degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the response to a higher band. There are no significant errors in word choice, and the terminology used is appropriate for the context of a scientific process description. To improve, try incorporating more precise verbs or descriptive adjectives related to industrial processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the majority of sentences are error-free, there are a few minor slips, such as 'Then cellulose then entres' (repetition and spelling error) and 'uses ethanol by various vehicles' (incorrect verb form). Despite these occasional errors, the grammar does not impede communication. You have used passive voice appropriately for a process description, which is a key requirement for this task type. Further attention to proofreading for minor typos and verb agreement would improve the accuracy.

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

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