Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-08

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 presents a process related to biofuel production of how ethanol is made.

Overall, it is a cyclic process. It has many stages, beginning with the growth of plants and trees. After several stages, including chemical processing, ethanol is produced. Later, it is used in transport vehicles such as cars and planes.

When the plants and trees grow, they are harvested by contractors. Later on, the wood pieces undergo pre-processing to extract cellulose. After further processing of the cellulose is carried out in labs, it is converted into substances called sugars. Moving into the next phase, microbes are added to the sugars to form the main element called ethanol. Subsequently, that ethanol is used by cars, trucks, and air planes. Finally, the carbon dioxide produced by these vehicles is used by plants and trees. Plants and trees make their energy with the help of carbon dioxide along with sunlight.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the biofuel production process, from the growth of plants to the final consumption and recycling of carbon dioxide. The main features are identified, and the cyclic nature of the process is correctly highlighted. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a more analytical approach to the 'comparison' aspect of the task. While the stages are listed, the response could be improved by grouping related steps more effectively or highlighting the transformation of materials more clearly. Overall, it provides a clear and accurate summary of the diagram, meeting the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, following the chronological flow of the diagram. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and the detailed process. Cohesive devices such as 'After several stages', 'Moving into the next phase', and 'Subsequently' are used to guide the reader through the sequence. While the flow is clear, some transitions feel slightly repetitive or mechanical. The referencing is generally accurate, ensuring that the reader can follow the progression of the biofuel production cycle without confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with terms like 'biofuel', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'carbon dioxide' used correctly. The range is sufficient to describe the process, though it lacks a degree of sophistication or variety. There are no significant spelling errors, and the word choices are generally precise enough to convey the intended meaning. To reach a higher band, the student should aim to incorporate more varied synonyms and precise technical collocations to describe the chemical and physical transformations involved in the process.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar, with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly. There is a consistent use of the passive voice, which is appropriate for a process description (e.g., 'is produced', 'are harvested', 'is converted'). While the grammatical range is functional, it could be enhanced by using a wider variety of complex structures or more sophisticated subordinating conjunctions to link ideas more fluidly. The current level of accuracy is high, with no errors that impede communication.

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