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)
The picture illustrates the process through which biofuel, named ethanol, is manufactured artificially for automobiles.
Overall, in this diagram the production of ethanol is illustrated: initially, the plants absorb energy, then these plants are harvested and processed, which forms cellulose; then in the laboratory it is mixed with different chemicals to produce ethanol.
Initially, plants and trees grow and start absorbing energy (carbon dioxide, sunlight). Then these plants are harvested and transferred for processing in factories, where the processing of harvested plants takes place. After processing, it forms cellulose, which is then transferred to laboratories where further processing takes place, resulting in the formation of a biofuel, ethanol, which is commonly used in cars, trucks, and airplanes. These automobiles then emit carbon dioxide into the air, causing air pollution, but plants and trees help and absorb carbon dioxide, which are then harvested and then processed to make ethanol again.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The student attempts to summarise the diagram showing the lifecycle of biofuel production from plants to ethanol and back to carbon dioxide. However, the response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, standing at 149 words. While the main stages such as plant growth, harvesting, processing into cellulose, adding microbes, and ethanol usage are mentioned, the explanation includes slight inaccuracies regarding the sequence (such as mentioning laboratories and chemical mixing, which are not depicted in the source diagram). Furthermore, the overview is somewhat repetitive. Because the length requirement is narrowly missed and some stages are slightly misinterpreted, the task achievement is constrained.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is structured into an introduction, an overall summary paragraph, and a detailed body paragraph. However, the progression is hindered by repetitive phrasing and a slightly confused flow, especially in the second paragraph where the overall summary largely reiterates what is stated later. Cohesive devices are basic and sometimes overused, such as the repeated use of 'initially', 'then', and 'after processing'. Paragraphing is attempted, but the grouping of ideas lacks sophistication. Referencing is generally clear, but the overall logical arrangement is mechanical rather than fluent.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with terms like 'manufactured', 'absorb energy', 'harvested', and 'cellulose' appearing in the text. However, there is a reliance on basic vocabulary and repetitive word choices (e.g., repeating 'processing' and 'carbon dioxide' multiple times). Attempts at less common vocabulary, such as 'manufactured artificially', are slightly unnatural in this context since ethanol production from biomass is not typically described as artificial in the sense intended here. Spelling and word choice errors do not impede communication, but the range remains limited.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as relative clauses ('through which biofuel... is manufactured') and participial phrases ('resulting in the formation of a biofuel'). There are several grammatical structures attempted with reasonable control, but punctuation and phrasing can be clumsy, such as the run-on structure in the final sentence ('These automobiles then emit carbon dioxide into the air, causing air pollution, but plants and trees help and absorb carbon dioxide, which are then harvested...'). While errors do not severely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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