Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The given illustration depicted the cycle how ethanol gas is generated is explained in the following paragraphs.
First of all, plants and tress absorb sunglasses from sun and carbon dioxide from air and then , farmers are going to harvest the the trees after that it is send to next stage by the farmer for pre- processing which convert the it to cellulose
Moreover, the cellulose is transfer in the labs for processing through chemicals and there after processing it is converted to a tissue of sugar and in that tissue microbes are added and in the last step, Ethanol gas is produced and used in vehicles as a fuel it help vehicles to run and then the vehicle release carbon dioxide gas through from engines and then carbon dioxide gas again mix up with the air and process continues
Overall , the cycle of producing ethanol is start with the harvesting of trees and end up with the carbon dioxide released by the vehicles
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production cycle, from plant growth to vehicle emission. However, the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks the analytical tone required for an Academic Task 1 report. For instance, the phrase 'absorb sunglasses from sun' is factually incorrect and indicates a misunderstanding of the diagram. While the main features are identified, the explanation of the chemical and biological processes is quite vague. To reach a higher band, you should focus on accurately describing the technical steps (e.g., pre-processing, fermentation) rather than using informal language. The overview is present but could be more effectively integrated to highlight the cyclical nature of the process.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which is a logical structure for this task. However, the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'and then' to link clauses. The progression of ideas is clear, but the transitions between sentences feel forced rather than fluid. Referencing is occasionally unclear; for example, 'it is send to next stage' lacks a clear antecedent for 'it'. Improving the variety of linking words (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'as a result') would significantly enhance the flow of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and contains several inaccuracies that impede clarity. Terms like 'sunglasses' instead of 'sunlight' and 'tissue of sugar' instead of 'sugar solution' demonstrate a lack of precision. There is also evidence of word-form errors, such as 'is start' instead of 'starts'. While you attempt to use topic-specific vocabulary like 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'ethanol', the overall range is narrow. To improve, focus on using precise scientific terminology appropriate for describing a technical process and ensure that word choices are contextually accurate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('the cycle... is start'), tense inconsistencies ('it is send'), and missing articles ('the trees', 'the air'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas and periods. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of basic errors prevents the text from reaching a higher band. You should practice using more complex sentence structures, such as passive voice constructions, which are essential for describing processes, and proofread carefully for basic grammatical accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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