Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-14

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 given process chart illustrate the information about how ethanol is made from biofuel .

In the initial stage , plants are grown and absorbe energy ,sunlight from sun and carbon dioxide from individuals . After that , plants and waste crop is harvested by farmers and then transfer into machine for pre processing . Then crops and trees cut into small peaces for separate of cellulose .

Moving further , after separating of cellulose , it send into labouratery for processing and add some chemicals to separate sugars from cellulose . In the final stage , microbes are added in the sugar then ethanol is produced . Then it provide to different vehicles like car , truck ,airoplain and they release carbon dioxide . Then carbon dioxide reuse and absorbed by plants and process start again .

Overall , in this process many multiple stages took place . Start with growing plant and end with ethanol provide to vehicles . It is a man made process . one step is missed all the process will be spoiled .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response successfully covers all the main stages of the ethanol production cycle shown in the diagram, ranging from the initial growth of plants to vehicle use and the recycling of carbon dioxide. The student attempts to report the main features and trace the cyclic nature of the process. However, some parts of the overview and body paragraphs lack sufficient clarity and precise detail. For instance, stating that 'one step is missed all the process will be spoiled' is inaccurate since the diagram depicts a continuous cycle. Furthermore, the summarisation lacks a well-developed overview paragraph that clearly highlights the key overarching features of the process, such as the cyclical nature and the transformation of plants into fuel. Consequently, the task is addressed adequately for a Band 5.0, but key features require more precise and developed reporting.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is divided into an introduction, body paragraphs, and an overall concluding paragraph, providing a basic structural framework. However, the logical progression is frequently disrupted by awkward transitions and confusing sentence connections. Cohesive devices such as 'Then', 'After that', and 'Moving further' are heavily overused and mechanically applied at the start of almost every sentence. Additionally, referencing is occasionally unclear, as seen in phrases like 'it send into labouratery' and 'then it provide to different vehicles', where pronouns and subjects are omitted or confused. Paragraphing is attempted, but internal cohesion requires improvement to ensure a smoother flow of information throughout the response. These features align closely with the Band 5.0 descriptor for logical organisation and referencing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is generally basic and repetitive, with limited flexibility. The student employs simple terms such as 'plants', 'machines', 'chemicals', and 'vehicles'. There are several noticeable word choice and collocation errors, such as 'absorbe energy ,sunlight from sun', 'transfer into machine', 'cut into small peaces', and 'send into labouratery'. Spelling errors also occur, such as 'airoplain', 'labouratery', and 'peaces'. While the vocabulary is minimally adequate to convey the basic steps of the diagram, the frequent lexical inaccuracies and restricted range prevent the response from achieving a higher band score, placing it firmly at Band 5.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response displays a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying heavily on simple sentences and basic active forms joined by coordinating conjunctions. Attempts at complex or passive structures are largely unsuccessful or omitted, resulting in frequent errors. Examples of grammatical inaccuracies include 'The given process chart illustrate' (subject-verb agreement), 'plants and waste crop is harvested' (plural/singular agreement), 'carbon dioxide reuse and absorbed' (missing auxiliary verbs), and 'ethanol provide to vehicles' (active instead of passive voice). Punctuation is also problematic, with erratic spacing around commas. Because complex structures are either absent or frequently faulty and errors cause some difficulty, the performance corresponds to a Band 5.0.

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

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