Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-02

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 illustrate the production of biofuel which is also knows as ethanol.

First we will notice the starting point of the production which is energy which is produce by sunlight and carbon dioxide. Energy( sunlight and carbon dioxide) which is used to grow plants and tress. When the plants and tree are grown they get cut of and this process is known as harvesting after some several pre-processing the plants are converted into cellulose then it is process again by adding some chemical reactions and made a chemical form of sugars and then we add microbes in the sugar and in return we get ethanol.

Ethanol is used by cars, trucks and airplane. The products which use ethanol produce carbon dioxide in the air and we can notice that carbon dioxide is the first resource which is used to create ethanol knows as biofuel.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the task achievement score. While the student identifies the main stages of the ethanol production process, the description is somewhat superficial. The overview is missing, and the response lacks a clear summary of the cyclical nature of the process. The explanation of the steps, such as 'pre-processing' and 'chemical reactions', is vague and lacks the technical precision expected in an Academic Task 1 response. To improve, ensure all stages are described with sufficient detail and include a clear overview of the main features.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into three short paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited; for example, the transition between the growth of plants and the harvesting stage is abrupt. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the use of 'it' without a precise antecedent in the second paragraph. To improve, use a wider range of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'as a result') to connect the stages of the process more fluidly and logically.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'the given illustrate' (should be 'the diagram illustrates') and 'knows as' (should be 'known as'). The repetition of basic verbs like 'get', 'made', and 'add' limits the range. To improve, incorporate more topic-specific vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'cultivation', 'fermentation', 'conversion', and 'by-product'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('energy which is produce' instead of 'produced'), incorrect verb forms ('plants and tree are grown they get cut of'), and punctuation errors. The sentence structure is often repetitive, relying heavily on 'and' to join clauses. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically verb tenses and passive voice, which is essential for describing processes.

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

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