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 outlines the basic steps of producing ethanol, a type of biofuel.

In general, the process involves physical, chemical, and biological treatments to produce ethanol from trees and plants. Ethanol is then used as an alternative to fossil fuels to reduce pollution.

At the beginning of the six-stage process, plants and trees absorb carbon dioxide and sunlight from the atmosphere. A process called photosynthesis helps convert these two ingredients into energy, which directly contributes to the growth of these plants and trees. As they reach maturity, people harvest them using machinery. The harvested products will undergo a pre-processing process, which breaks them down into strands of cellulose by crushing. With the help of chemicals, these cellulose strands are further deconstructed into different sugar molecules.

After the aforementioned physical and chemical treatment steps, these sugar molecules are then biologically processed. Microbes are added to convert the sugars into ethanol, which in turn is used as a fuel to power vehicles with combustion engines such as cars, trucks, and planes. These vehicles burn up the ethanol, releasing carbon dioxide as waste into the atmosphere. The trees and plants, in turn, consume this as their food, and the cycle restarts.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively summarizes the main features of the ethanol production process. You have clearly identified the key stages, from the initial absorption of sunlight and CO2 to the final combustion in vehicles. The inclusion of the cyclical nature of the process is a strong point, as it demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the diagram. The overview provided in the second paragraph is concise and sets the context well. To reach a higher band, ensure that the distinction between the physical, chemical, and biological stages is even more explicitly linked to the specific visual cues provided in the diagram, ensuring no minor detail is overlooked.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial growth phase to the final consumption and recycling of carbon dioxide. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, the pre-processing stages, and the final biological conversion. Cohesive devices such as 'At the beginning of', 'After the aforementioned', and 'in turn' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the process. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between the different stages is clearly articulated, making the text easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'biofuel', 'photosynthesis', 'cellulose', and 'combustion engines' accurately. The language is precise and appropriate for a technical description. There is a good attempt to use less common vocabulary, such as 'aforementioned' and 'deconstructed', which adds to the academic tone of the report. The word choices are generally natural and contribute to a clear explanation of the process without any significant errors in collocation or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('releasing carbon dioxide as waste') and relative clauses ('which directly contributes to the growth'). The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Most sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and tense consistency is strong throughout the response. The structure is varied enough to maintain interest and clarity, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

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