Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-28
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 given diagram illustrates the process of biofuel production called ethanol.
We dicuss all these process and elaborate it step by step.
In the first step, plants and trees absorp sunlight and carbon dioxide than farmers starting the process of harvesting and transport into a processing factory. After this process, these trees and plants put into a crusher machine and convert into small pieces than these cellulose parts into chemical processing.
Chemical process converted these cellulose into sugar form, after that microbes added into sugar for final process of ethanol.
In the final steps, ethanol export with different methods such as through airlines, trucks and cars in different countries.
Overall, these all process rotate again and again in the form of carbon dioxide. First harvesting forests than it take in a factory and concert these in sugars form and after few steps it convert in a final stage called ethanol.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from the initial absorption of sunlight by plants to the final distribution. However, the description is somewhat superficial. The student identifies the key steps but fails to provide a clear, analytical overview of the cycle. The introduction is slightly informal ('We dicuss all these process'), and the conclusion repeats information rather than synthesising the main features effectively. While the task is addressed, the lack of detail regarding the specific chemical transformations and the cyclical nature of the process limits the score. To improve, ensure you clearly highlight the transition points between stages and provide a more professional summary of the overall process.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression is hindered by repetitive phrasing and a lack of varied cohesive devices. Transitions like 'After this process' and 'In the final steps' are used, but they feel mechanical. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the sentence 'these cellulose parts into chemical processing', where the grammatical connection is missing. The overall flow is somewhat disjointed, and the paragraphing could be more effectively used to separate the distinct stages of the production cycle. Improving the use of linking words would help the ideas flow more naturally.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of word-choice errors, such as 'absorp' (absorb), 'than' used instead of 'then', and 'concert' (convert). The range of vocabulary is limited, relying on basic verbs like 'put', 'added', and 'convert'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise technical terminology related to industrial processes, such as 'fermentation', 'extraction', or 'distillation', and ensure that common words are spelled correctly. The current level of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning but lacks sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the reader's understanding. There are consistent issues with verb tense consistency and subject-verb agreement, such as 'farmers starting' instead of 'farmers start' and 'these all process rotate'. Sentence structures are largely simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often contain errors, such as 'than these cellulose parts into chemical processing', which lacks a main verb. Punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring every sentence has a clear subject and verb, and proofreading for common errors like tense shifts and pluralisation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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