Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-07

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 circular diagram illustrate the process by the biofuel ethanol is produced from plants , trees and sunlight . It consist of eight phrases.

Overall, the process begins with plant growth using solar energy and carbon dioxide and end with the consumption of ethanol by vehicles which then release the CO2 back to the atmosphere to refuse plants .

Nevertheless, plants and trees are growing by absorbing carbon dioxide, water , sunlight . Once they are harvested from machinery for pre-processing . During this stage, the plants pieces are converted into cellulose . Then cellulose is converted into sugar in labs and we get sugar from cellulose.

Next, Microbes are added in sugar , then in resulting to produce d ethanol .The ethanol is used as fuel for trucks and airplanes. Thus completing the cycle and allowing the process to begin again.

AI examiner evaluation

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 you have identified the main stages of the ethanol production cycle, the description is somewhat superficial. You mention the key steps—growth, harvesting, pre-processing, conversion, and usage—but the explanation of the process lacks the necessary detail and depth required for a high band score. The summary of the cycle is present, but the under-length nature of the response means that the task is not fully developed. To improve, ensure you expand on the technical stages described in the diagram to meet the word count and provide a more comprehensive overview.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally awkward, such as 'Then in resulting to produce d ethanol'. The logical flow is generally clear, but the transitions between sentences could be smoother. The use of referencing is sometimes unclear, and the paragraphing is a bit disjointed. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas more naturally, ensuring that each sentence flows logically into the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected at higher levels. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'refuse plants' (likely meant 'reuse') and 'the plants pieces'. The repetition of basic terms like 'plants' and 'sugar' limits the lexical variety. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to industrial processes, such as 'fermentation', 'distillation', or 'raw materials', and ensure that your word choices are accurate and contextually appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The circular diagram illustrate', 'It consist of eight phrases'), incorrect verb forms ('plants and trees are growing' instead of 'grow'), and awkward sentence structures ('then in resulting to produce d ethanol'). While you attempt to use complex sentences, they are often marred by errors. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring that your sentence structures are grammatically sound before attempting more complex constructions.

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

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