Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The provided diagram illustrates the cyclical process by which a renewable biofuel known as ethanol is manufactured and consumed.
Overall, the production of ethanol is a continuous loop that combines biological growth, industrial processing, and fuel consumption. The entire procedure can be divided into three main stages: the cultivation and harvesting of raw materials, the chemical transformation into ethanol, and its utilization as a transportation fuel, which naturally replenishes the carbon cycle.
The cycle commences when plants and trees grow by utilizing solar energy and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Once mature, these plants are harvested using mechanical equipment such as tractors. The gathered biomass then undergoes a pre-processing stage to extract cellulose.
In the subsequent industrial phase, the extracted cellulose is sent to a processing facility where it is broken down and chemically converted into sugars. Following this, specific microbes are introduced to ferment the sugars, ultimately yielding ethanol. In the final stage, the finished biofuel is distributed to power various modes of transportation, including cars, trucks, and airplanes. The combustion of ethanol in these vehicles releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This emission completes the closed-loop cycle, as the carbon dioxide is once again absorbed by growing plants and trees through photosynthesis.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear and comprehensive summary of the process diagram illustrating how ethanol is produced. The response accurately identifies the main stages, from plant growth and harvesting to pre-processing, industrial transformation into sugars, fermentation via microbes, and final consumption in transport which releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. The overview is well-formulated and highlights the cyclical nature of the process effectively. No details are invented or misread, demonstrating a strong grasp of visual data interpretation in alignment with Band 8 descriptors.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically sequenced and flows smoothly from start to finish. The introduction clearly sets the context, followed by a well-structured overview paragraph. Subsequent paragraphs logically trace the chronological and cyclical stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Once mature', 'The gathered biomass', 'In the subsequent industrial phase', and 'Following this' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the various steps. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, meeting the requirements for a Band 8 score.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task describing a scientific process. Less common lexical items are used skilfully and naturally throughout the text, including terms such as 'cyclical process', 'renewable biofuel', 'cultivation', 'biomass', 'ferment', and 'closed-loop cycle'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and sophisticated, reflecting a strong command of lexical resources consistent with a Band 8 level.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. Sentences such as 'The cycle commences when plants and trees grow by utilizing solar energy and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere' and 'This emission completes the closed-loop cycle, as the carbon dioxide is once again absorbed...' are controlled skilfully. The majority of sentences are error-free, and any minor slips are extremely rare, firmly placing this performance in the Band 8 category.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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