Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The given diagram illustrates the production of a biofuel known as ethanol, how it is made and then how it is used by various vehicles.

Overall, the whole process consists of 4 to 5 steps. From planting trees, harvesting, pre-processing and processing, the ethanol produced is used by vehicles and planes and the CO2 released is then used up again and the process continues again.

In the initial steps, the plants and tress grown take energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide these trees are then harvested by the farmers and later on pre-processed and converted in to cellulose.

Once cellulose has been made it is converted to sugars and addition of microbes to it produce ethanol. This ethanol is then used up by vehicles like cars, trucks and planes which release carbon dioxide and this gas is again used by the trees so that the process starts all over again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the ethanol production process, from the growth of plants to the final consumption and recycling of CO2. However, the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. For instance, the transition between 'pre-processing' and 'processing' is mentioned but not clearly explained in terms of the specific inputs or outputs shown in the diagram. While the main features are identified, the report would benefit from a more structured approach to grouping the stages (e.g., cultivation, conversion, and usage) to better highlight the cyclical nature of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, moving from an introduction to the process steps. There is a clear progression of ideas, and the use of cohesive devices such as 'In the initial steps', 'Once', and 'this ethanol' helps guide the reader. However, the paragraphing is slightly unbalanced, with a very short second paragraph. Additionally, some transitions feel a bit mechanical. To improve, ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus and use a wider variety of linking words to connect the stages of the process more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the process clearly. Words like 'harvested', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'cyclical' (implied) are used correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'used' and 'made'. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise technical or descriptive vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'fermentation', 'break down', or 'emissions', rather than relying on general terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'plants and tress grown take energy' (missing relative pronoun 'that are') and 'addition of microbes to it produce ethanol' (subject-verb agreement error: 'produces'). Punctuation is generally functional, but some sentences are slightly run-on. The control of grammar is sufficient to communicate the information, but more consistent accuracy in complex structures is needed to move into the 7.0+ range.

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

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