Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-17

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 6.0)

The data below provides a breakdown of the life cycle of ethanol from its production to break down back to reactants.

Overall, ethanol is made through 6 step process, including, harvesting greens, pre-processing, processing and fermentation. Desired product is used by various ways of transportation giving out gas, used back for growing materials, by burning ethanol.

Firstly, ethanol production starts with harvesting plants and trees using machinery that a step before absorbed supplements for growth, such as sunlight and carbon dioxide. They are later crushed to fine particles for extraction of cellulose.

Secondly, collected cellulose is used for developing sugars in the industrial labs.

Thirdly, through methods of fermentation our desired product is achieved. Microbes are added to sugars developing a final form of ethanol.

Finally, ethanol is used by various ways of transportation, which all produce carbon dioxide by burning the biuofuel.

It is a circular reaction, because unlike linear reactions given out gas is not just an addition to atmosphere but rather plays a crucial role by supporting initial steps of the cycle, allowing the cycle to begin again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully covers the main stages of the biofuel production cycle, from harvesting plants to processing cellulose, adding microbes, producing ethanol, and releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. An overview is provided in the second paragraph, noting the circular nature and the steps involved. However, there are minor inaccuracies in describing the process, such as stating that ethanol is used 'to break down back to reactants' in the introduction, and referring to 'harvesting greens'. Furthermore, some minor details from the diagram are slightly generalised or imprecise. Nevertheless, all main parts of the task are adequately addressed, earning a Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised and progresses clearly through the stages of the diagram, making good use of sequencing devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Thirdly', and 'Finally'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, body steps, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are generally well managed, though referencing can occasionally feel slightly mechanical, as seen in the transition phrases. Overall, the logical structure ensures the reader can easily follow the description of the process, supporting a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a process, incorporating terms like 'cellulose', 'fermentation', 'microbes', and 'industrial labs'. However, there are some noticeable lexical inaccuracies and awkward collocations, such as 'harvesting greens' instead of crops or plants, 'by various ways of transportation' instead of through various modes of transport, and a spelling slip ('biuofuel'). While less common vocabulary is attempted with varying degrees of success, the errors do not impede communication, placing this response securely at Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'using machinery that a step before absorbed supplements'). There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings present throughout the text, such as 'is made through 6 step process' (missing article), 'giving out gas, used back for growing materials, by burning ethanol' (awkward modifier placement), and punctuation slips. Although these errors occur frequently, they rarely impede overall comprehension, reflecting the descriptors for Band 6.0.

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

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