Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-12

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 5.0)

The process diagram illustrates the whole process of production of ethanol . Biofuel production have to go through 7-8 processes . Beginning with growth of plants and trees and energy consumption of the forest with sunlight and carbon dioxide finalzing with production of ethanol . The main features of whole manufacturing chain is highlighted below .

To commence with , first of all plants are brought in direct energy where they get a combination of sunlight and carbon dioxide. Proceeding further the trees are harvested they are moved forward for pre-processing where cellulose is extracted and sent to laboratory . Then sugars and microbes are mixed with cellulose which results in outcome of ethanol . Ethanol is further used in automobiles such as : cars , heavy duty trucks and aeroplanes . When the vehicles engine use the ethanol it generates carbon dioxide and the same chain is repeated.

To conclude this , it is very clear that biofuel production is a time-consuming process. The ethanol goes through a handful of steps in which processing of cellulose is the crucial step.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to summarise the diagram showing how ethanol is produced, but it falls short in several areas. While you mention some stages such as plant growth, cellulose extraction, and mixture with microbes, the reporting lacks a clear overview and fails to effectively compare or highlight the main features of the entire cyclical process. For instance, the statement 'Biofuel production have to go through 7-8 processes' is inaccurate, and the description skips key steps from the visual prompt. To achieve a higher band, ensure you present a clear overview in the introduction and accurately cover all principal stages without unnecessary filler or inaccurate generalisations, while maintaining an objective tone appropriate for an academic response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The text is divided into three paragraphs, providing a basic structural layout. However, the logical progression is hindered by awkward sequencing and mechanical transitional phrases like 'To commence with , first of all' and 'To conclude this'. Referencing and cohesive devices are sometimes faulty or misused, as seen when transitioning abruptly between the laboratory phase and vehicle usage. Paragraphing is attempted, but the grouping of ideas lacks cohesion, particularly within the body paragraph where multiple distinct steps are crammed together without clear signposting. To improve, focus on smoother transitions and logical grouping that guide the reader clearly through the sequence of the diagram.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The lexical range is limited and frequently repetitive. You rely heavily on basic terms such as 'process', 'plants', 'trees', and 'ethanol'. There are noticeable word-choice inaccuracies and awkward collocations, such as 'brought in direct energy' and 'results in outcome of ethanol'. Furthermore, punctuation errors around commas (e.g., leaving spaces before commas) detract from the presentation. While the vocabulary is minimally adequate to convey a general idea of the topic, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher band scores. Incorporating more precise, subject-specific vocabulary related to manufacturing and chemical processes would significantly strengthen this area.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but grammatical control is weak. There are several noticeable errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('Biofuel production have to go through') and awkward phrasing like 'When the vehicles engine use the ethanol'. Punctuation is also problematic throughout the text, with misplaced spaces before commas and periods. While some sentences are understandable, the frequent errors in grammar and mechanics cause some difficulty for the reader and prevent the response from achieving a higher score. Focusing on fundamental grammatical accuracy and punctuation rules will help improve clarity.

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

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