Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-11

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 7.0)

The pictorial flow chart illustrates the process of biofuel ethanol production. Overall, it is a cyclic process that contains 9 stages; the starting point is the use of carbon dioxide in plant growth, and the ending point is carbon emissions from vehicles that use ethanol; this carbon dioxide is reused.

The first 3 steps involve the growth of plants and trees using sunlight and carbon dioxide; energy is provided to simulate growth, and plants and trees are harvested in a large field.

After harvesting, these plants are transported, and the manufacturing of ethanol begins. Harvested plants undergo pre-processing to make cellulose, which is processed further in the labs to make sugars. Microbes are added to these sugars to produce ethanol; microbe introduction into sugars is essential, as it facilitates fermentation, which is crucial for ethanol formation.

Once the ethanol is produced, it is used as a fuel in different vehicles such as cars, trucks, and airplanes. The carbon emissions from these vehicles are later returned to the environment, ready to be reused for the same procedure.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response clearly identifies the main stages of the ethanol production cycle. You have successfully highlighted the cyclic nature of the process, which is a key feature. The overview is well-constructed, and the description of the stages follows the logical flow of the diagram. However, to reach a higher band, you could provide more specific details regarding the inputs and outputs at each stage, such as mentioning the specific conversion of cellulose to sugar or the role of the lab environment more precisely. Overall, the response covers all parts of the task well and provides a clear summary of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each focusing on a distinct phase of the process. The progression from plant growth to manufacturing and finally to consumption is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'After harvesting', 'Once the ethanol is produced', and 'The first 3 steps' effectively to guide the reader. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for a process description. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between the stages is well-maintained throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms like 'cyclic process', 'harvested', 'cellulose', and 'fermentation' are used correctly and appropriately for this task. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it lacks a degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the score to the 8.0+ range. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and fits the context of a technical process description well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. You demonstrate good control over punctuation, particularly with the use of semicolons to connect related ideas. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammatical structures are accurate. While the range of structures is adequate, incorporating a few more varied complex structures—such as passive voice constructions to describe the manufacturing stages—would further enhance the grammatical variety. Overall, the grammar is strong and does not impede communication at any point.

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

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