Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The process details the method through which the biofuel ethanol is manufactured. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the process is a mixture of natural and man-made and there are three main stages. Initially, there is harvesting of the raw sources, followed by a stage of breaking down and processing the constituent elements of ethanol, and lastly the distribution of ethanol for various purposes which in turn produce CO2 to restart the process.

First, energy in the form of sunlight and carbon dioxide in plants and trees is harvested by machines. This harvest then enters a pre-processing stage which breaks larger stalks and matter down into cellulose. The cellulose is next processed chemically in order to extract sugars.

The final stages of the process involve adding microbes to the sugar to produce ethanol. The finished product is then used by cars, trucks, and airplanes. These modes of transport themselves create carbon dioxide and contribute to the cyclical production system.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student provides a clear overview of the process diagram, successfully identifying the main stages of biofuel production, including harvesting, pre-processing, chemical processing, and the final distribution cycle. Key features such as the conversion of plants into cellulose, sugars, and ultimately ethanol, along with the release of carbon dioxide, are reported accurately. The response covers all parts of the task well, providing an effective summary without missing crucial cyclical links. The overview captures both the natural and man-made elements of the production loop. Therefore, this performance meets the criteria for Band 7.0, as all parts of the task are addressed with a clear and coherent progression.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The writing is divided into logical paragraphs, moving smoothly from an introduction and overall statement to the initial and middle stages, and finally concluding with the distribution and carbon cycle. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'First', 'next', and 'The final stages' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the sequence of events. Referencing is clear, and the transition between human transport usage and the environmental cycle is managed effectively. This reflects the characteristics of Band 7.0 in coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic process description, employing terms such as 'manufactured', 'constituent elements', 'cellulose', 'chemically', and 'cyclical production system'. There are occasional slight awkwardnesses in collocation, such as 'energy in the form of sunlight and carbon dioxide in plants and trees is harvested', which slightly misrepresents the diagram's label ('Energy (sunlight + carbon dioxide)'). However, the lexical control is generally good, and less common items are attempted with some awareness of style. This fits solidly into the Band 6.5 to 7.0 range, warranting a Band 7.0 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'which in turn produce CO2 to restart the process', 'The process details the method through which the biofuel ethanol is manufactured'). Grammatical control is generally strong, with frequent error-free sentences and correct punctuation. While minor issues exist, such as the slightly clumsy subject-verb construction in the opening sentences, these errors do not impede communication. The grammatical range and accuracy demonstrate the control expected at Band 7.0.

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