Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The diagram below gives information on how a biofuel known as ethanol is produced.

Overall, biofuel production is a cyclical process. It consists of the pre-processing and processing stage. Firstly plants and trees are grown and harvested. Subsequently, the plant are crushed in a machine before cellulose is formed. After processing, microbes are added to sugars to produce ethanol. This biofuel can use to power aircrafts and motor vehicles.

At the beginning, plants and trees are grown with the help of energy (sunlight+ carbon dioxide). Afterwards, plant and trees and harvested with a machine. The harvested plants and trees goes through pre-processing where it is crushed in a machine. Following that cellulose is formed.

Furthermore, cellulose is processed into sugar. Subsequently, microbes are added to sugars to manufacture ethanol. This biofuel can then be used to fuel air craft, and vehicles. Afterwards carbon dioxide from aircrafts and vehicles is released into the atmosphere.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the biofuel production process, from the growth of plants to the final use of ethanol. You have successfully identified the cyclical nature of the process, which is a key feature. However, the description is somewhat repetitive, particularly in the second and third paragraphs where the steps are restated rather than synthesized. To improve, focus on grouping the information more logically—for example, by combining the initial growth and harvesting stages into one coherent section, and the chemical conversion stages into another. While all parts of the diagram are addressed, the analysis lacks a more sophisticated overview of the relationship between the stages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. You use cohesive devices such as 'subsequently', 'afterwards', and 'furthermore' to link ideas. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical, and the progression between the second and third paragraphs feels slightly disjointed. The referencing is generally clear, but the repetition of 'plants and trees' makes the flow less natural. To reach a higher band, try to vary your cohesive links and ensure that each paragraph has a distinct focus rather than repeating information already mentioned in the introduction or previous paragraphs.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the process clearly. You use relevant terms such as 'biofuel', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'harvested'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on basic verbs like 'grown', 'crushed', and 'added'. To improve, incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe chemical or industrial processes, such as 'converted', 'derived', 'facilitated', or 'synthesized'. There are no significant spelling errors, but the word choice could be more varied to demonstrate a higher level of lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are several grammatical errors that affect accuracy. For example, 'the plant are crushed' (subject-verb agreement), 'can use to power' (passive voice error: 'can be used'), and 'plant and trees and harvested' (preposition/conjunction error). Additionally, 'aircrafts' is incorrect as 'aircraft' is an uncountable noun in this context. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and ensuring the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing processes.

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

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