Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The diagram illustrates how a biofuel- Ethanol is produced through several stages.

Overall, it is evident from the diagram that there are couple of steps through which the energy stored in plants is processed and converted into Ethanol. This is an admixture of natural and manmade process which continues as a never ending cycle.

First of all, plans and trees intake Carbon Dioxide from the environment, which with the help of sunlight produces necessary energy, allowing them grow properly. After the plants are matured, they are harvested and pre-processed with the help of technology. The pupose of pre-processing is to seperate the celluose from the produce, which is then processed with the chemical substances in the lab. Consequently, sugar is produced and microbes are added to this in order to convert it into Ethanol. This biofuel is subsequently used by different modes of transportation systems. Eventually, these vehicles transform Ethanol into Carbon Dioxide which then returns back to the environment and again used by the plants.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.0
Coherence and Cohesion6.5
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.5
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from plant growth to the final use in vehicles. You have successfully identified the cyclical nature of the process. However, the description of the 'pre-processing' and 'chemical' stages is somewhat vague. To reach a higher band, ensure you explicitly mention the specific inputs and outputs shown in the diagram, such as the role of 'yeast' or 'enzymes' if implied, and provide more precise detail on the transformation steps. The overview is clear, but the report could benefit from a more analytical approach to the relationship between the stages rather than just a chronological list.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the stages of the cycle. Paragraphing is used, though the introduction and overview are combined, and the body paragraph is quite long. You use cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'Consequently', and 'Eventually' to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary the linking phrases and ensure that the relationship between the sentences is more fluid. The referencing is generally clear, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'admixture', 'matured', and 'subsequently'. There are some minor spelling errors, such as 'pupose' instead of 'purpose' and 'seperate' instead of 'separate'. Additionally, the phrase 'there are couple of steps' is missing an article ('a couple'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. Incorporating more specific technical terminology related to the diagram would enhance the lexical quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'plans and trees intake' (should be 'plants'), 'allowing them grow' (missing 'to'), and 'again used by the plants' (missing 'is'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing processes. Ensure that your complex sentences are punctuated correctly to maintain clarity.

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

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