Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-23

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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of production of a biofuel known as ethanol.

Overall, the process involves several steps beginning from the harvesting of mature trees and plants and ending with the ethanol being used as a fuel in vehicles. Moreover, the process involves the pre-processing and processing of cellulose to form sugar. Addition of microbes turns sugars into ethanol that could be used as a fuel in vehicles.

Initially, the grown plants and trees store energy in the form of sunlight and carbon dioxide emitted by automobiles. These plants and trees are then harvested using a tractor. After that, the pre-processing takes place in which machines are used to extract cellulose.

Furthermore, through processing cellulose is converted into sugars using chemicals in lab. The addition of microbes in sugars convert it into ethanol. Ethanol is then used as a biofuel in different vehicles such as cars, trucks and aeroplanes. In conclusion, automobiles emit carbon dioxide that is again absorbed by plants and trees as a form of energy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all the key stages of the biofuel production cycle, from the initial growth and harvesting of plants to pre-processing, processing into sugars, microbial conversion, and the final use of ethanol in transport which releases carbon dioxide back into the environment. An appropriate overall trend is provided in the introductory and concluding parts of the response. The information reported is accurate and faithfully reflects the provided process diagram without major omissions or distortions. Main features and the cyclic nature of the process are highlighted effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organised into clear paragraphs with a discernible introduction, body, and conclusion. Progression is generally clear throughout the cycle. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Moreover', 'Initially', 'After that', and 'Furthermore' are used to guide the reader through the stages, although some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the main stages of the process, ensuring the overall structure remains coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and functional range of vocabulary suitable for a process diagram. Terms like 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'carbon dioxide' are used accurately. However, there are occasional awkward word choices and minor lexical infelicities, such as 'through processing cellulose is converted' (missing punctuation or preposition) and 'in lab'. While less common vocabulary is attempted, control is somewhat inconsistent, placing this response firmly in the band 6 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses and passive constructions like 'cellulose is converted into sugars'. There are, however, several grammatical inaccuracies and missing articles throughout the text, including 'The addition of microbes in sugars convert it' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'in lab' instead of 'in a lab'. Punctuation errors also occur, such as the missing comma after introductory prepositional phrases. These errors do not impede communication, but they occur with enough frequency to prevent a higher band.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.