Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-16

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 diagram illustrates the sequential steps require in the production of biofuel which is also known as ethanol.

Overall, there are total of eight stages present in the process of making ethanol. The initial step includes the absorbing energy by plants or grown trees from sunlight and carbon dioxide. Furthermore,Processing of Cellulose after Pre-processing step. Finally, ethanol made up after adding microbes which originated by Sugars molecules. Moreover, this ethanol is used in transport vehicles and again exerts carbon dioxide into the air by these vehicles, which is also the first step of this process.

Looking at the data in detail, the first step is the production of energy which is the combination of sunlight and carbon dioxide, then grown plants and trees are harvested by individuals. The next stage is Pre-processing in which timber is goes through crushing machine and generates Cellulose. Following this, Processing step comes in which there are some chemicals used to produce Sugars.

Regarding the remaining stages, Sugars molecules originated after chemical process are transformed into a new thing by adding microbes, which is the basic requirement for making an ethanol. After this, cars, trucks and airplanes used this biofeul and again produce carbon dioxide, which is used as an Energy for plants and trees..

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student covers all the main steps shown in the process diagram, from energy absorption and plant growth to harvesting, pre-processing, processing into sugars, microbial addition, and biofuel consumption which releases carbon dioxide back into the cycle. However, the response is hampered by noticeable inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as 'absorbing energy by plants or grown trees' and 'Sugars molecules originated after chemical process are transformed into a new thing'. While the overall cyclical nature is captured, the explanation of certain stages lacks precision and clarity. The overview provided in the second paragraph outlines eight stages, but the progression reads somewhat like a disjointed list rather than a smoothly integrated summary. Because the key features are present and reported, but the development and accuracy in describing specific transitions fall short of higher bands, a band score of 5.5 is appropriate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is divided into four paragraphs, which attempts to follow a logical structure by introducing the process, providing a brief overview, and then detailing the steps. However, the progression between ideas is frequently disrupted by awkward transitions and mechanical cohesive devices, such as 'Furthermore,Processing of Cellulose after Pre-processing step' and 'Regarding the remaining stages'. Paragraphing is attempted, but internal cohesion is faulty, particularly with referencing and linking clauses together. Sentences often feel isolated rather than building smoothly upon one another. These issues place the response firmly in the Band 5 category for cohesion and logical progression.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate to convey the basic subject matter, incorporating terms from the prompt such as 'biofuel', 'ethanol', 'cellulose', 'sugars', and 'microbes'. However, the range is quite limited and there are notable word choice and collocation errors, such as 'steps require' instead of 'required', 'absorbing energy by plants', and 'transformed into a new thing'. Less common lexical items are attempted but handled inaccurately. Spelling is generally acceptable, but overall lexical control is inconsistent and restricted, reflecting the descriptors for Band 5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but control over grammar is weak. There are frequent errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('there are total of eight stages'), missing auxiliary verbs or incorrect passive forms ('ethanol made up', 'timber is goes through'), and punctuation or capitalization slips. Complex structures are often faulty and cause strain for the reader, such as in the sentence 'Finally, ethanol made up after adding microbes which originated by Sugars molecules.' Because errors are frequent and occasionally impede smooth understanding, a band score of 5.0 is warranted.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.