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 stimulate 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 laboratories to make sugars. Microbes are added to these sugars to produce ethanol; the 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 successfully identifies the main features of the process, covering the cycle from plant growth to carbon emissions. You have clearly outlined the stages, including the harvesting, pre-processing, fermentation, and final usage. The overview is effective in highlighting the cyclic nature of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the specific inputs and outputs at each stage, such as the conversion of cellulose to sugar, which is a key technical detail in the diagram. Overall, the information is well-selected and accurately reported, providing a clear summary of the provided flow chart.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas follows the chronological order of the process, which makes it easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'The first 3 steps', 'After harvesting', and 'Once the ethanol is produced' to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the production cycle. The flow is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text, meeting the requirements for a well-structured response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'pictorial flow chart', 'cyclic process', 'pre-processing', and 'fermentation'. The word choice is generally precise and appropriate for an academic report. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication. To improve further, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or technical terminology related to biofuel production, such as 'raw materials' or 'by-products', to demonstrate a wider and more flexible range of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writing displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You demonstrate control over punctuation and grammar, with the majority of sentences being error-free. The use of semi-colons to connect related clauses is a positive feature that adds variety to your sentence structure. While the grammar is generally accurate, ensure that you maintain consistency in verb tense usage when describing a process. The current level of accuracy is high, and the few minor slips do not interfere with the clarity of the information presented.

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

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