Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-01

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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of producing ethanol biofuel from plants and trees.

Overall, ethanol production is a cyclical process with several stages, beginning with plant growth and ending with the release of carbon dioxide. This gas is then reused by plants, making the process renewable.

First, plants and trees grow by using sunlight and carbon dioxide. They are then harvested and sent for pre-processing, where the material is prepared and converted into cellulose. Next, the cellulose undergoes processing and is changed into sugars. Microbes are subsequently added to these sugars, producing ethanol.

In the final stage, ethanol is used as a fuel for cars, trucks and aeroplanes. When these vehicles burn ethanol, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is absorbed by growing plants, allowing the cycle to begin again. Therefore, unlike fossil fuels, ethanol production continually recycles carbon dioxide through the growth of plant material.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively summarizes the main stages of the ethanol production process. You have successfully identified the key steps, from plant growth to the final combustion and recycling of carbon dioxide. The overview clearly highlights the cyclical nature of the process, which is a crucial feature of the diagram. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is presented in a logical, chronological order. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more specific details from the diagram, such as mentioning the specific inputs (e.g., sunlight) or the distinction between the biological and mechanical phases more explicitly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas is logical, moving smoothly from the initial growth phase to the final consumption and recycling stage. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'First', 'Next', 'subsequently', and 'In the final stage', which guide the reader through the process without being repetitive. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of the cycle, contributing to the overall clarity of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'cyclical', 'renewable', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', and 'atmosphere'. The word choice is generally precise and fits the context well. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors. To improve further, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or technical terms related to the process, such as 'biomass' or 'fermentation', to show a higher level of lexical flexibility and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing is grammatically accurate, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use passive voice appropriately to describe the process (e.g., 'are then harvested', 'are subsequently added'), which is essential for this type of task. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The sentences are clear and error-free, which makes the text very easy to read. To aim for a higher band, you could experiment with more varied complex sentence structures, such as using participle clauses to combine steps more fluidly.

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

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