Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-29

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 6.5)

The given plan describes the process of how the biofuel called ethanol is produced. Overall, there are seven processes involved in the creation of ethanol. It is a cyclic process. The plants and trees are initially grown , then harvested and passed through many processes ; the product, ethanol, is created and then used within different transport sectors. The carbon dioxide emitted from various vehicles is again absorbed by plants. Firstly, energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide is absorbed by the woodland that has been initially grown , then harvested, and has passed through the pre-processing stage. From the pre-processed plants, the cellulose is extracted. The extracted material is processed with chemicals, and a main ingredient, sugar, is generated. Finally, the microbes are combined with sugar , and ethanol is produced. It is used in all types of vehicles . When ethanol is used during transportation, the automobiles emit carbon dioxide into the air, and then plants again absorb it as a source of energy. The given steps are repeated, and ethanol is produced continuously.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production process. You have clearly outlined the cyclic nature of the diagram, moving from plant growth to harvesting, processing, and eventual use in transport. The inclusion of the carbon dioxide absorption cycle is a strong point, as it demonstrates a clear understanding of the overall process. However, the response could be improved by grouping the stages more logically into distinct paragraphs (e.g., one for the production process and one for the environmental cycle) to better highlight the 'main features' as requested. The summary is accurate and covers all key stages shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized and follows the sequence of the diagram well. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'then', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the steps. However, the text is presented as a single block paragraph, which hinders the visual clarity of the report. In IELTS Academic Task 1, using at least two paragraphs is essential for a clear structure. Additionally, some transitions feel slightly repetitive. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear paragraph breaks would significantly enhance the flow and logical progression of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'pre-processing'. The language is generally appropriate for a technical description. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'woodland that has been initially grown', which is slightly unnatural; 'crops' or 'plants' would be more precise in this context. While the vocabulary is adequate to convey the meaning, it lacks the more sophisticated, precise collocations that would elevate the response to a higher band score. Expanding your range of process-related verbs would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used passive voice appropriately for a process description, such as 'cellulose is extracted' and 'ethanol is produced'. There are some punctuation errors, specifically the inconsistent spacing before commas and semicolons (e.g., 'grown , then harvested'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are noticeable. To reach a higher band, aim for more varied complex sentence structures and ensure that punctuation is used correctly and consistently throughout the text.

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

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