Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-13

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 illustration depicts the process through which a type of biofuel known as ethanol is manufactured.

Overall, the production of ethanol is a cyclical process, which involves several distinct stages, including plant growth, cellulose extraction and processing, and the distribution of the final fuel.

To begin, the initial stages involve obtaining cellulose, which begins with plants and trees absorbing energy in the form of sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow. Once mature, they are harvested, typically by a human operating a machine, and transported to a pre-processing facility, where they are broken down into cellulose, ready for the next steps.

Moving on to the remaining stages, the cellulose is then treated with chemicals to extract sugars. Following this, microbes are added to the sugar mixture to produce ethanol, which is used to fuel various types of transportation, such as cars, trucks and planes. During this fuel use, carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere, allowing the process to start anew.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all key features of the diagram illustrating the production of ethanol. In the overview, the candidate correctly identifies that the process is cyclical and involves several distinct stages from plant growth to fuel distribution. The main steps, including harvesting, pre-processing, cellulose extraction with chemicals, and fermentation using microbes, are reported accurately and sequentially. Comparisons and relationships between stages are clearly drawn, such as linking the emission of carbon dioxide during vehicle use back to the initial plant growth phase. This comprehensive coverage and clear reporting of main features align well with the expectations of Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. It is well-structured with an introduction, a clear overview paragraph, and well-sequenced body paragraphs detailing the stages. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the process, utilising appropriate transitional phrases such as 'To begin', 'Moving on to the remaining stages', and 'Following this'. Paragraphing is used logically to separate the preliminary phases from the final chemical and biological treatments. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, ensuring seamless reading from start to finish. This warrants a solid Band 7.5 for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The candidate demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Appropriate subject-specific terms are used accurately, including 'cellulose extraction', 'pre-processing facility', 'microbes', and 'carbon dioxide'. The writer also employs less common lexical items with a strong awareness of style and collocation, such as 'cyclical process', 'energy in the form of sunlight', and 'emit into the atmosphere'. Word choices are precise, and spelling is entirely accurate throughout. This lexical control comfortably meets the criteria for Band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The candidate successfully integrates relative clauses, participial phrases, and prepositional modifiers, as seen in sentences like '...plants and trees absorbing energy in the form of sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow' and '...cellulose is then treated with chemicals to extract sugars.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is managed effectively. Grammatical control is strong throughout the 160-word response, demonstrating a level of proficiency that satisfies the criteria for Band 8.0.

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