Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-31
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 diagram outlines the stages of ethanol . Diagram illustrates that how a biofuel known as ethanol is produced .
Sun is the basic source of energy for the natural phenomenon. Sunlight and carbon dioxide produces energy . Plants and trees grow by absorbing energy from the sunlight . Farmers harvest the crops, plants and trees for the further preprocessing . After preprocessing in the industries it is converted into the celluouse . Sevral chemicals are added in to the cellulose and then it is converted into the sugars .
Various types of chemicals and microbes are include and well mixed into sugars and then the end result or outcome of this process is ethanol.
Ethanol is then used in transportation industry and it is used in cars , trucks and aircrafts .
Then these vehicles reduces carbon dioxide and it is used by plants and trees for their growth . This cycle remains continues in the nature.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| 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 energy source to the final usage in transport. However, the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. For instance, the transition from 'preprocessing' to 'cellulose' and then to 'sugars' is described in a very basic manner without highlighting the technical nature of the process shown in the diagram. While the main features are identified, the response would benefit from a more structured overview and a clearer synthesis of the cyclical nature of the process. It addresses the prompt but remains at a descriptive level rather than a summary level.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into short paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'Then these vehicles' and 'After preprocessing' are used to link ideas, but the flow between sentences is often disjointed. The paragraphing is a bit fragmented, with some sentences standing alone, which disrupts the logical progression of the report. To improve, you should use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus rather than just listing steps.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected for a higher score. You rely on basic terms like 'things', 'well mixed', and 'end result'. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'preprocessing' and 'celluouse' (spelling error). While you successfully use some topic-specific vocabulary like 'biofuel', 'ethanol', and 'carbon dioxide', the overall range is limited. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to industrial processes, such as 'fermentation', 'distillation', or 'break down'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex sentences, but there are frequent grammatical errors. For example, 'Diagram illustrates that how a biofuel...' contains an unnecessary 'that', and 'Sunlight and carbon dioxide produces energy' has a subject-verb agreement error. Additionally, there are issues with articles ('the nature', 'the industries') and punctuation. While the meaning is generally clear, these errors occur frequently enough to distract the reader. You should focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles to improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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