Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-27

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 how biofuel called ethanol produced through plants and can be used as fuel.

Overall, there are several stages to produced ethanol and it is a cyclic process, beginning with plants and trees that are grown and ending with ethanol used as fuel for cars that emitted carbon dioxide. In middle stages, process such as plant harvesting that goes on processing and adding sugars, microbes to produce biofuel.

Initially, Sunlight and carbon dioxide helps to grow the plants efficiently. Once they are matured, they are harvested and transported for pre-processing. During this process, the harvested material broke down, producing cellulose. Then cellulose goes for further processing stages, where it is converted into sugars.

Next stages is adding different useful microbes into sugar, resulting into producing ethanol. The ethanol is further used as fuel in different form of transportation such as cars, trucks and planes. Furthermore, all transportation emitted carbon dioxide that again goes to ecosystem and mixed in air. The carbon dioxide again helps to grow the plant allowing the begin cycle again

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production process. You have provided a clear overview of the cyclic nature of the process, which is a key requirement for Task 1. You have also correctly identified the sequence of stages, from plant growth to the final use of ethanol as fuel. However, the response could be improved by being more precise with the terminology used in the diagram. For example, you mention 'adding sugars' when the diagram indicates that cellulose is converted into sugars. Ensuring that the technical steps are described with greater accuracy would elevate the response to a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organised, with a clear introduction, an overview, and a description of the process stages. You have used some cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Next stages', and 'Furthermore' to guide the reader through the process. However, the use of these devices is sometimes a bit mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more refined. For instance, the transition between the pre-processing and the final stages could be smoother. Additionally, some referencing is slightly unclear, such as 'that goes on processing', which lacks a clear subject. Improving the flow between sentences would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'harvested', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'ecosystem'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'process such as plant harvesting that goes on processing' and 'different form of transportation'. These errors do not impede communication, but they do show a lack of precision. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise verbs and nouns related to industrial or biological processes, and ensure that your word choices are natural and contextually appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you have attempted to use complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb forms and subject-verb agreement. Examples include 'how biofuel called ethanol produced' (should be 'is produced'), 'there are several stages to produced ethanol' (should be 'to produce'), and 'Next stages is adding' (should be 'The next stage is the addition of'). These errors are noticeable but do not prevent the reader from understanding the process. Increasing your control over basic grammatical structures will help improve your score.

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

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