Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-03
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 process chart depicts the process of making ethanol by the help of biofuel.
In overview, there are various steps involved in making of ethanol. All the steps are mandatory to make the final product.
In details, in the first step, plants get energy from sunlight with the help of carbon dioxide plants are able to grow. After that, farmers harvest crops from the fields and then send them for pre-processing in machines. In next step, after processing in machines cellulose is separated from plants. Later, cellulose go for chemical processing where sugars excrated from chemical. and ?
furthermore, microbes was added in sugars which creates ethanol. Finally, that ethanol used in transportation system such as airplanes, cars and trucks which relases carbon dioxide in the environment and than that carbon dioxide again used by plants.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While the main stages of the ethanol production process are identified, the description is quite superficial. The overview is generic and lacks a clear summary of the cyclical nature of the process. Furthermore, the response contains incomplete sentences (e.g., 'and ?') and fails to provide a comprehensive report of the information presented in the diagram. To improve, you must ensure all stages are described in full sentences and provide a more detailed summary of the key features shown in the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into short paragraphs, which is appropriate for a report. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited, with basic transitions like 'In details' and 'In next step' being used. The referencing is occasionally unclear, and the flow between sentences is disrupted by grammatical errors and the inclusion of incomplete thoughts. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each sentence logically connects to the next to create a smoother narrative flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. Words like 'making' and 'process' are used frequently. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'excrated' (likely meant 'extracted') and 'relases' (spelling error). The range of vocabulary is insufficient to demonstrate a higher level of control. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more precise technical terminology related to the process, such as 'fermentation', 'conversion', or 'by-product', and ensure accurate spelling throughout.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. There are frequent grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues (e.g., 'microbes was added', 'cellulose go') and punctuation errors. The inclusion of an incomplete sentence ('and ?') is a significant issue that affects the overall clarity. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors is high for a short text. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and ensure that every sentence has a clear subject and predicate, avoiding fragmented thoughts.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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