Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-10

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 cyclical process by which ethanol, a biofuel, is produced from plants and trees, and subsequently used as a fuel source.

Overall, the process comprises two main phases: converting plant matter into ethanol through several chemical and mechanical stages, and burning that ethanol as fuel while returning carbon dioxide to sustain future plant growth.

The cycle begins with plants and trees absorbing sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow. Once mature, they are harvested and undergo pre-processing, during which cellulose is extracted. This cellulose is then broken down into sugars through a processing stage. Microbes are subsequently added to the sugars, converting them into ethanol.

The resulting ethanol is used to power vehicles, including cars, trucks, and aeroplanes. When burned as fuel, it releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Notably, this released carbon dioxide is then reabsorbed by growing plants and trees, completing a closed-loop and this cycle repeats.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively summarizes the cyclical nature of the ethanol production process. You have clearly identified the key stages, from the growth of plants to the final combustion and reabsorption of carbon dioxide. The overview is concise and accurately captures the main features of the diagram. You have successfully highlighted the 'closed-loop' nature of the process, which is a crucial aspect of the task. The information is well-selected and logically presented, ensuring all parts of the prompt are addressed. To reach a higher band, you could provide slightly more detail on the specific mechanical or chemical inputs mentioned in the diagram, such as the addition of water or heat, to further demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the introduction, the overview, and the specific stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Once mature', 'subsequently', and 'Notably' are used appropriately to link ideas and guide the reader through the cycle. The transition between the production phase and the usage phase is smooth. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text. The structure is coherent, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description. Terms such as 'cyclical process', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'reabsorbed' are used accurately and in the correct context. The language is precise and contributes to a professional tone. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common technical terms to push into the higher band range. However, the current usage is natural and effectively conveys the intended meaning without any errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have utilized a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses, such as 'When burned as fuel, it releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.' Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text. The writing is clear and error-free, which demonstrates a strong command of English grammar suitable for this task.

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