Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-18

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 from plants and trees, including harvesting, processing and fermentation.

Overall, ethanol is produced through stages that begin with plant growth and end with its use as a fuel. Carbon dioxide is also released and returned to the plants, creating a cycle.

First, plants and trees grow by using sunlight and carbon dioxide. Once they are mature, they are harvested and transported for pre-processing. During this stage, the raw materials are prepared and cellulose is obtained. The cellulose is then sent for processing, where it is converted into sugars. Next, microbes are added to the sugars, causing fermentation and producing ethanol.

Finally, ethanol is used as a fuel for cars, trucks and aircraft. When these vehicles operate, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is subsequently absorbed by growing plants, allowing the cycle to continue. Overall, the diagram shows how plant material can be converted into a renewable fuel naturally.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear and comprehensive summary of the process diagram illustrating how ethanol is produced. The response accurately reports the main stages, starting from plant growth and harvesting through pre-processing, cellulose extraction, processing into sugars, and fermentation with microbes. Furthermore, the important cyclical nature of the process—specifically the release of carbon dioxide from vehicles and its subsequent absorption by growing plants—is correctly identified and highlighted. The overview provided in the second paragraph effectively captures the main trends and the closed-loop nature of the system. All reported information is faithful to the provided visual data, with no invented or misread details. The requirements of Task 1 are thoroughly met.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped coherently, moving chronologically through the stages of the lifecycle depicted in the diagram. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, separating the introduction, the core sequential steps, and the final uses and recycling phase. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'During this stage', 'The cellulose is then sent', 'Next', and 'Finally' are used flexibly and naturally to guide the reader through the multi-step process without feeling mechanical or overused. Referencing and substitution are handled smoothly, maintaining a high level of textual flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student employs a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a technical or scientific process. Less common items such as 'harvested', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', 'fermentation', and 'subsequently' are used accurately and with good awareness of collocation and style. Word choices are precise, and there are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While the vocabulary is not excessively sophisticated or ambitious at a Band 9 level, it easily meets the criteria for Band 7 by showing flexibility and precision in explaining the technical steps of biofuel creation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a good variety of complex sentence structures, including participial phrases and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Once they are mature, they are harvested...', 'When these vehicles operate, they release...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating strong control over grammar and punctuation. Verb tenses are used consistently and accurately to describe a continuous, cyclical process. There are no noticeable grammatical slips or awkward phrasings that hinder readability, reflecting a high level of grammatical accuracy.

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