Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The diagram illustrates the complete cycle through which biofuel is produced.
Overall, it is clear that the process involves formation of ethanol from natural ingredient like cellulose. And the carbon emission after its burt which is again utilized by the ecosystem.
The process starts from plants and trees absorbing sunlight for photosynthesis; moreover, they inhale carbon dioxide necessary for their growth. When the harvesting season arrives farmers collect these crops and these crops like sugarcan are taken for pre-processing which are then converted into smaller chunks. Furthermore, these are then converted into fine thread like structures called the cellulose.
The Lab process involves the formation of sugar after refining and then certain microbes are added in order to create Ethanol. This natural fuel is then utilized in our vehicles for transport purpose; additionally, they release carbon dioxide in air which is then again used in the process of creating biofuel.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by outlining the main stages of the biofuel production cycle from plants to ethanol and back to carbon dioxide. An overview is provided, noting the circular nature of the process involving cellulose and carbon emissions. However, some minor details from the prompt are slightly imprecise or colloquial, such as 'natural ingredient like cellulose' and 'burt' instead of 'burning'. The stages are generally reported accurately in sequence, matching the visual diagram well. To achieve a higher band, the overview could be slightly more fully developed by explicitly mentioning the transport mechanisms shown in the diagram.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression from the introduction of the cycle, through the processing stages, to the final use and recycling of carbon dioxide. Paragraphing is used adequately to separate the introduction/overview from the body details. Cohesive devices are employed to link ideas, such as 'moreover', 'Furthermore', and 'additionally', although referencing and transitions can occasionally feel a bit mechanical. For instance, 'When the harvesting season arrives farmers collect these crops and these crops like sugarcan are taken...' creates a slightly run-on feel. Overall arrangement is coherent.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a technical process, utilizing terms like 'photosynthesis', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', 'refining', and 'microbes'. However, there are noticeable spelling and word choice errors, such as 'burt' instead of 'burning', 'sugarcan' instead of 'sugarcane', and awkward phrasing like 'natural ingredient like cellulose'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with some inaccuracy, which prevents the score from reaching a higher band. Spelling mistakes need attention to ensure precise communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating relative clauses and conditional structures. There are several grammatical and mechanical errors, such as 'carbon emission after its burt which is again utilized', subject-verb agreement issues like 'these crops like sugarcan are taken... which are then converted', and missing articles or pluralization errors. Punctuation also needs minor refinement. Despite these errors, the sentences generally remain understandable and do not seriously impede communication.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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