Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-19

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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of a biofuel production, detailing how ethanol is manufactured from plant matter and subsequently utilized as an energy source.

Overall, the procedure constitutes a closed-loop carbon cycle comprising biological growth, industrial refining, combustion in vehicles, and the ultimate re-absorption of carbon dioxide by vegetation.

The cycle starts with the plants and trees absorbing carbon dioxide alongside sunlight to grow. Once fully grown, this plants and trees are harvested. The collected material then undergoes a pre-processing to extract cellulose which is a long chainn chemical compound. This chemical is then subsequently refined into sugars through a chemical processing stage. Following this, microbes are introduced to ferment the sugars, converting them into ethanol.

In the final phase, the ethanol is used as fuel across various transportation sectors, powering cars, trucks, airplanes etc. The combustion of this biofuel produces carbon dioxide. This gas is then released into the atmosphere, where it is once again captured by growing plants, reinstating an ecological loop.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and detailing all the major stages of the biofuel production cycle. The response accurately highlights the progression from plant growth and harvesting through to pre-processing, cellulose extraction, refining into sugars, fermentation via microbes, and finally the combustion of ethanol that releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. The main features and the closed-loop nature of the process are well reported without unnecessary digression. The student demonstrates a clear understanding of the visual data provided. The response successfully meets all requirements of Task 1 for an academic essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The text is logically sequenced and easy to follow. Progression throughout the response is smooth, moving naturally from the introduction of the overall process to the detailed sequential steps, and finally to the end-use and carbon recycling phase. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each stage of the cycle allocated to a logical paragraph. Cohesive devices such as 'Once fully grown', 'The collected material then', and 'In the final phase' are used effectively to guide the reader through the process without feeling mechanical or overused.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to a process diagram. Terms such as 'closed-loop carbon cycle', 'industrial refining', 'ferment', and 'combustion' show good control of less common lexical items. There are, however, a few minor inaccuracies or awkward expressions, such as 'the process of a biofuel production' (article error) and the spelling slip 'chainn'. Despite these occasional errors, the vocabulary is varied and precise enough to convey the scientific processes clearly and fluently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating participial phrases and relative clauses effectively. Grammatical control is generally strong, with many error-free sentences. However, there are a few minor errors present, such as 'this plants and trees are harvested' (plural/determiner agreement) and the minor slip 'undergoes a pre-processing to extract cellulose which is...' (punctuation and article omission). These errors are non-systematic and do not impede communication, supporting a solid Band 7 rating.

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