Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The given diagram illustrates the process involved in the production of biofuel known as ethanol.

Overall, the process involves different steps which begins with the plantation of trees and ends with its final usage in different vehicles which further emits carbon dioxide and repeat the procedure.

To begin, the process initiates with the planting of trees which absorbs sunlight and carbon dioxide from the air in order to concert it into energy. Next, trees are harvested and transported to the factory for pre processing. The trees are converted into cellulose and passes for another processing in the labs.

Moving on, the cellulose is transformed into sugar particles. After that, microbes are added to the sugar leading in the formation of biofuel called ethanol. In the end, different vehicles like aeroplanes, trucks and cars are fueled with ethanol. Also, such vehicles emits the carbon dioxide in the air which is again utilized by plants for this process of ethanol production.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from the initial plantation to the final usage in vehicles. The overview is clear and identifies the cyclical nature of the process. However, the description of the stages is somewhat simplistic. For instance, the transition from 'pre processing' to 'cellulose' and then to 'sugar particles' lacks detail regarding the specific mechanisms shown in the diagram (such as the chemical or mechanical breakdown). While the main features are reported, the response could be improved by providing a more precise account of the intermediate steps to fully satisfy the requirements of a Band 7 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin', 'Next', 'Moving on', and 'In the end' are used to guide the reader through the stages. However, the use of these devices is somewhat mechanical. Paragraphing is appropriate, and there is a clear progression of ideas throughout the text. The referencing is generally clear, though the connection between the final usage and the start of the cycle could be more smoothly integrated.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing for a clear description of the process. There are some attempts at using topic-specific vocabulary such as 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'biofuel'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'concert it into energy' (likely meant 'convert') and 'passes for another processing' (should be 'passes to'). These errors do not impede communication, but they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. More precise terminology would enhance the quality of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues, such as 'process... which begins' (should be 'begin' or 'process... which begins'), 'trees... passes' (should be 'pass'), and 'vehicles... emits' (should be 'emit'). These errors are frequent enough to be noticeable but do not cause significant difficulty for the reader. To improve, focus on ensuring that verbs agree with their subjects and that verb tenses remain consistent throughout the description.

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

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