Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
This picture demonstrates the procedure of how to extract biofuel, which is also known as ethanol. Overall, ethanol is produced from the sugars, and the root source of it is plants and trees, which grow in the presence of sunlight and carbon dioxide. Ethanol is commonly used in cars, trucks, and planes, and emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It is clearly shown that, for the growth of plants and trees, energy is required. The main source of it is sunlight and carbon dioxide. When plants and trees become big, the truck cuts the plants and trees. The truck has a container which consists of a harvesting machine on its back side; here the harvesting process is started and cellulose is made.
After processing the cellulose, sugars are made, which are then converted into microbes. This is the substance which is essential for making the ethanol. Ethanol is a biofuel which is now used in vehicles like cars, high-traffic vehicles, and airplanes. These vehicles use Ethanol in the form of petrol and emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
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 successfully identifies the main features of the diagram, outlining the circular process of biofuel (ethanol) production from plants and trees through to its use in vehicles and subsequent release of carbon dioxide. An overview is provided in the second sentence. However, there are some inaccuracies in reporting the sequence of the diagram. For instance, the text states that sugars are 'converted into microbes' and that 'microbes added' is a substance essential for making ethanol, whereas the diagram shows microbes being added to sugars. Additionally, some details like 'the truck cuts the plants and trees' misinterpret the harvesting icon and process flow. Overall, the task is addressed adequately, but the minor misreadings of the process steps place it firmly in Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is arranged coherently with a clear overall progression from the beginning of the cycle to the end use of ethanol. Paragraphing is utilised, dividing the introduction and overview from the detailed process steps. Cohesive devices are generally used effectively, such as 'Overall', 'When', and 'After processing'. However, some referencing is slightly awkward or mechanical, such as 'This is the substance which is essential...', which affects the smoothness of the flow. Paragraph divisions could also be balanced more logically around the cyclic stages of the diagram. These factors reflect a typical Band 6.0 performance for Coherence and Cohesion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms like 'procedure', 'atmosphere', 'harvesting process', and 'cellulose'. However, there are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as 'the root source of it', 'become big', and 'converted into microbes' instead of noting that microbes are added to sugars. Word formation and collocation errors, such as 'high-traffic vehicles', indicate limited flexibility. While communication is not impeded, the frequent awkward lexical choices keep the score at Band 5.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'This picture demonstrates the procedure of how to extract biofuel, which is also known as ethanol.' There is good control over basic structures, and punctuation is generally accurate. However, several grammatical errors and awkward structures occur throughout the text, including 'the root source of it' and articles or prepositions used inappropriately ('in the presence of sunlight', 'on its back side'). Although these errors do not impede overall communication, they represent a recurring pattern of minor inaccuracies that prevents the writing from reaching Band 6.5.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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