Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of producing ethanol, a biofuel, from plants and trees.

Overall, ethanol production is a cyclical process involving several stages, beginning with the growth of plants and ending with the use of ethanol as a fuel. Importantly, carbon dioxide released during fuel consumption is absorbed by plants, allowing the cycle to continue.

Initially, plants and trees grow by using sunlight and carbon dioxide. Once mature, they are harvested and undergo pre-processing. This produces cellulose, which is then sent to a processing plant and converted into sugars. The sugars are subsequently acted upon by microbes, resulting in the production of ethanol.

Finally, the ethanol is used as a fuel for vehicles such as cars, trucks and aircraft. The combustion of ethanol releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is then used by growing plants, together with sunlight, to produce more plant material. The newly grown plants can therefore be harvested and processed again, completing the cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the ethanol production process. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the cyclical nature of the process and the key inputs and outputs. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the entire diagram. The information is logically sequenced, and you have accurately described the transition from raw materials to the final fuel product. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the specific inputs at each stage (e.g., the role of sunlight and CO2) with even greater precision, though your current summary is already quite comprehensive and accurate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Initially', 'Once mature', 'subsequently', and 'Finally', which help the reader follow the stages of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction/overview from the detailed process description. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the relationship between the stages is clearly established. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure is logical and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms such as 'cyclical', 'mature', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', and 'combustion' are used correctly and demonstrate a good level of precision. The vocabulary is appropriate for an academic report on a technical process. While the range is adequate, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or precise technical descriptors could elevate the response further. However, the current usage is natural and there are no errors that impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('beginning with...', 'allowing the cycle to continue') and passive voice constructions ('are harvested', 'are subsequently acted upon'). The grammar is highly accurate, with no noticeable errors in tense, subject-verb agreement, or punctuation. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over complex sentence forms is consistent. This level of accuracy and range is indicative of a high-performing candidate who can communicate complex information clearly and correctly.

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

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