Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-21
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)
This diagram illustrates the cyclic, natural process by which the chemical biofuel called ethanol is produced.
Overall, the process consists of 10 distinct stages that show the production of carbon dioxide, and the process is driven when plants and trees get direct energy.
Initially, the process begins when energy is produced through the combination of sunlight and carbon dioxide. As the plants and trees get this energy, they grow faster, and in result, the farmers harvest these plants. After this, they go to the pre-processing step and produce cellulose.
Followed by cellulose processing, sugar is manufactured in which microbes are added, and ethanol is produced. This ethanol as biofuel, is added to different vehicles such as cars, trucks, and aeroplanes. When these vehicles come into use, they produce carbon dioxide, which in turn is used to produce energy.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The student attempts to summarise the main features of the ethanol production cycle, identifying key stages from plant growth to vehicle usage and carbon dioxide absorption. However, the response falls short of the 150-word minimum, containing only 138 words. This word count penalty restricts the score. Additionally, some details lack precision, such as stating that 'energy is produced through the combination of sunlight and carbon dioxide' when the diagram indicates that energy (sunlight and carbon dioxide) drives plant growth. Despite these minor misinterpretations, the overview of the cyclic process is generally captured.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The text is divided into logical paragraphs, moving from an introduction and overview to the initial and final stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After this', and 'Followed by' are used to guide the reader through the sequence. However, paragraphing is somewhat sparse, and referencing is occasionally mechanical or repetitive. Overall progression is maintained throughout, fitting the Band 6 descriptor well.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range appropriate for describing a process, utilising terms such as 'cyclic', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', and 'microbes'. There are some awkward collocations or word choices, such as 'when plants and trees get direct energy' and 'in result', instead of 'as a result'. Nevertheless, the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main steps of the diagram without impeding understanding.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses like 'when the chemical biofuel called ethanol is produced' and 'when these vehicles come into use'. There are a few minor grammatical inaccuracies and punctuation slips, such as the unnecessary comma in 'This ethanol as biofuel, is added'. However, these errors do not impede communication, and the overall grammatical control is fairly solid.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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