Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-22

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 diagram illustrates a cycle how a biofuel named ethanol is produced from the nature through different steps and how it returns back to the nature.

Overall, a circular process is depicted where the biofuel, ethanol is made from natural elements and after going through some scientific steps in laboratory. Transports use ethanol as their fuel and extract carbon dioxide which is consumed by natural plants.

First and foremost, with the combination of sunlight and carbon dioxide, plants and trees produce energy to grow. After their growth, they becomes harvested and start to be pre-processed to form cellulose. After being formed cellulose goes to laboratories to extract sugars. Then, microbes are added with sugars to form ethanol.

Ethanol is extensively consumed as a biofuel in cars, airplanes, lorries, and other vehicles. These transports later produce carbon dioxide which is accepted by the plants and trees to produce their food or energy to grow.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully covers all the key stages of the biofuel production cycle shown in the diagram, from sunlight and plant growth through to harvesting, processing, and the final release of carbon dioxide. The overview accurately captures the cyclical nature of the process. For instance, the student notes that 'a circular process is depicted where the biofuel, ethanol is made from natural elements' and subsequently consumed by vehicles. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in describing the sequence, such as stating that 'microbes are added with sugars to form ethanol' when the diagram shows microbes added before the formation of ethanol. Overall, all parts of the task are adequately addressed, earning a solid Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is arranged into four logical paragraphs, including an introductory paragraph, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the main stages. Progression is generally clear, moving logically from plant growth to transport usage. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the process, such as 'First and foremost', 'After their growth', and 'Then'. However, referencing and cohesion occasionally feel slightly mechanical or awkward, as seen in phrases like 'After being formed cellulose goes to laboratories'. Paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall arrangement maintains coherence throughout, justifying a Band 6.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as 'biofuel', 'ethanol', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'carbon dioxide'. There are some successful attempts at less common vocabulary, but also noticeable word-choice errors and unnatural collocations, such as 'becomes harvested' instead of 'are harvested', and 'extract carbon dioxide' instead of 'emit' or 'produce'. Furthermore, the introductory sentence contains a grammatical slip with vocabulary ('illustrates a cycle how'). Despite these minor flaws, communication is not impeded, and the range is sufficient for a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over multi-clause sentences (e.g., 'Overall, a circular process is depicted where the biofuel...'). However, there are several grammatical errors scattered throughout the text. Examples include 'illustrates a cycle how' (missing preposition or relative clause structure), 'they becomes harvested' (subject-verb agreement error), and 'microbes are added with sugars' (preposition choice). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but these persistent structural and agreement errors place the response firmly in the Band 6.0 category.

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