Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the production of ethanol from a biofuel.

Overall, it is a multi-stage, cyclic and man-made process, which commences with the planting and growing of trees and culminates in the production of ethanol and releasing of carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide then reenters the process to grow trees.

To begin, trees and plants are grown in the presence of sunlight and carbon dioxide. Once they are grown fully, they are harvested using a tractor. Following that, these cuttings of plants and trees are sent for the pre-processing stage, where they are crushed to release a material known as cellulose.

Subsequently, this cellulose is then sent for a chemical process. During chemical reaction, sugars and microbes are added to cellulose. This process leads to formation of ethanol, which is then used as fuel by cars, trucks and airplanes for travelling. All these vehicles then release carbon dioxide, which is then used by plants and trees as a source of energy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the ethanol production process. You have clearly outlined the cyclic nature of the diagram, from the growth of plants to the final combustion in vehicles. The overview is effective, and the key stages—harvesting, pre-processing, chemical reaction, and usage—are all covered. To reach a higher band, ensure you include more specific details from the diagram, such as the mention of 'fermentation' or specific inputs like 'yeast' if they were present, to demonstrate a more comprehensive grasp of the provided information. Overall, the response is accurate and addresses all parts of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the stages of the process. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'To begin', 'Following that', and 'Subsequently' to guide the reader through the steps. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction/overview from the body of the process. The progression of ideas is clear, and the link between the final stage (releasing carbon dioxide) and the initial stage (growing trees) is well-managed, highlighting the cyclic nature of the process effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'commences', 'culminates', 'pre-processing', and 'chemical reaction'. The language is generally precise and appropriate for a technical description. There are no significant errors in word choice that impede communication. To improve further, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or technical synonyms to demonstrate a wider range, such as using 'facilitates' or 'converts' instead of simpler verbs, which would elevate the lexical profile of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'Once they are grown fully, they are harvested using a tractor.' Punctuation is generally accurate, and the use of the passive voice is appropriate for a process description. While the grammar is mostly error-free, there is a slight lack of variety in complex sentence structures. Increasing the use of relative clauses or participle phrases would help demonstrate a wider range of grammatical flexibility.

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