Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The diagram given illustrates the process of production of a biofuel called ethanol along with its uses in different transports and again conversion back to carbon dioxide. Overall, it involve several stages from plants and trees to harvesting, pre-processing, cellulose production, processing to sugar adding microbes , ethanol production and its different usage and conversion back to carbon dioxide.

The trees and plants make energy from carbon dioxide in air in the presence of sunlight which are then harvested and undergo processing to produce cellulose. The processing of cellulose is done in the next stage converting it to sugars. Lastly, the microbes are added to the sugars to produce ethanol. Finally, the ethanol is used as biofuel in vehicles, trucks and aero planes. Consequently, ethanol is converted to carbon dioxide completing the carbon cycle.

This carbon cycle continue to operate again after carbon dioxide being used by trees and plants.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the biofuel production process, from the initial growth of plants to the final combustion of ethanol. The overview is clear and identifies the cyclical nature of the process. However, the description of the stages is somewhat mechanical and lacks a more analytical approach to the 'main features.' For instance, while you mention the stages, you could have highlighted the transformation points more effectively. The response is accurate in its reporting of the diagram, but it remains a descriptive list of steps rather than a cohesive summary of the entire process flow. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the stages is more clearly articulated.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the stages shown in the diagram. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction/overview from the body of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'consequently,' 'lastly,' and 'finally' are used to guide the reader, though some transitions feel slightly repetitive. The progression of ideas is clear, and the reference to the carbon cycle at the end provides a good sense of closure. To improve, try to vary the cohesive devices further and ensure that the link between sentences is more fluid rather than relying on a step-by-step listing format.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally accurate and appropriate for a process description, such as 'harvested,' 'cellulose,' and 'microbes.' However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are minor issues with word choice and collocation. For example, 'processing to sugar adding microbes' is slightly awkward and lacks precision. The phrase 'different transports' is also not the most natural way to describe vehicles. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more precise technical terminology related to chemical or industrial processes and ensure that collocations are more natural and varied throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that, while not impeding communication, are noticeable. For example, 'it involve several stages' should be 'it involves,' and 'carbon cycle continue to operate' should be 'continues.' Additionally, 'after carbon dioxide being used' is grammatically incorrect; it would be better phrased as 'after carbon dioxide has been used.' While you attempt complex sentences, the control over subject-verb agreement and passive voice constructions needs to be more consistent to reach a higher band level.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.