Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of producing ethanol fuel from plant material and shows how carbon dioxide is recycled throughout the process.

Overall, ethanol production is a cyclical process involving several stages, beginning with the growth of plants and ending with the combustion of ethanol in vehicles. The most notable feature is that the carbon dioxide released during fuel consumption is subsequently absorbed by plants, thereby completing the cycle.

Initially, plants and trees grow by using sunlight and carbon dioxide. Once mature, they are harvested and undergo pre-processing, during which the plant material is converted into cellulose. This cellulose is then processed further to produce sugars.

Next, microbes are introduced to the sugars, causing fermentation and producing ethanol. The resulting biofuel is then used to power cars, trucks and aircraft, during which carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Finally, this gas is absorbed by growing plants, allowing the cycle to begin again. Thus, plant growth, ethanol production and fuel consumption are interconnected in a continuous process.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student provides a clear, well-developed overview of the process of producing ethanol from plants and correctly identifies the cyclical nature of the carbon dioxide flow. All key stages of the process—from the growth of plants and trees, harvesting, pre-processing into cellulose, processing into sugars, introduction of microbes, to the final combustion of ethanol in vehicles—are accurately reported in a logical sequence. The student successfully integrates the visual data without missing any crucial details. The summary effectively captures the main features and makes relevant connections between fuel consumption and plant absorption. Therefore, this response meets all the requirements of Task Achievement at a high standard, demonstrating a fully developed and accurate interpretation of the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is exceptionally well-structured and easy to follow. Ideas are logically sequenced, guiding the reader smoothly from the initial growth phase through processing and consumption to the recycling of carbon dioxide. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with an effective introduction and overview paragraph followed by well-organized body paragraphs that detail each stage of the process chronologically. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Once mature', 'Next', and 'Finally' are used naturally and flexibly to signal time relationships and transitions without feeling mechanical. Referencing throughout the text is clear and precise, ensuring that the progression of information flows naturally from sentence to sentence.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range that is highly appropriate for an academic task describing a scientific process. Less common vocabulary items and subject-specific terminology are employed accurately and naturally, such as 'cyclical process', 'cellulose', 'fermentation', 'biofuel', and 'atmosphere'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, as seen in expressions like 'undergo pre-processing' and 'interconnected in a continuous process'. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors, and the vocabulary allows the writer to convey precise meanings smoothly and effectively throughout the entire response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a strong command of grammatical structures, successfully utilizing a wide mix of complex sentences with high accuracy. Examples such as 'The most notable feature is that the carbon dioxide released during fuel consumption is subsequently absorbed by plants...' and 'Once mature, they are harvested and undergo pre-processing, during which the plant material is converted into cellulose' show excellent control over subordination and relative clauses. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, with only rare, minor slips. Punctuation is handled accurately throughout, and verb tenses (primarily the present simple) are maintained consistently and appropriately for describing a continuous process.

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