Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates how ethanol, a type of biofuel, is produced from plants and trees.

Overall, the process consists of several stages, beginning with the growth and harvesting of plants and ending with the use of ethanol as fuel. It is a cyclical process because the carbon dioxide released during production and transportation is reused by plants.

Initially, plants and trees grow by absorbing sunlight and carbon dioxide. Once fully grown, they are harvested and undergo pre-processing, during which the plant material is converted into cellulose. This cellulose is then sent to a processing facility, where it is transformed into sugars.

In the next stage, microbes are added to the sugars, producing ethanol. The resulting biofuel can be used to power various forms of transport, including cars, trucks and aeroplanes. These vehicles release carbon dioxide when they consume ethanol.

Finally, the carbon dioxide produced by transportation and other stages of the process returns to the atmosphere. Plants and trees absorb this gas as they grow, allowing the cycle to begin again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview of the ethanol production process from beginning to end. The response accurately highlights the main features, such as the initial absorption of sunlight and carbon dioxide, pre-processing into cellulose, conversion into sugars, and the addition of microbes to produce ethanol. Furthermore, appropriate comparisons and connections are made by pointing out that the process is cyclical, noting how carbon dioxide released by vehicles is reabsorbed by plants. The information is well-selected, and the main stages are reported logically without unnecessary detail. This meets the criteria for Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly into paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the diagram, moving from growth and harvesting through processing to transportation and the recycling of carbon dioxide. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages, with phrases like 'Initially', 'In the next stage', and 'Finally'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring that each phase of the process has its own distinct space. Referencing is clear and unambiguous. This demonstrates strong control matching Band 8.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary to describe a technical process, incorporating terms such as 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'reabsorbed'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary with an awareness of style and collocation, as seen in expressions like 'cyclical process' and 'processing facility'. Word choice is generally precise and natural, with occasional minor items remaining standard rather than advanced. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the text, allowing for smooth communication. Overall, this performance comfortably sits at Band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a strong command of grammatical structures, successfully blending simple and complex sentences. Examples of complex structures include relative clauses and participial phrases, such as 'beginning with the growth and harvesting of plants and ending with the use of ethanol as fuel' and 'during which the plant material is converted into cellulose'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over tense and punctuation is well maintained throughout the text. There are only very occasional minor structural awkwardnesses, which do not impede understanding. This high level of accuracy and range warrants a Band 8.0.

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