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 given diagram illustrates the different steps involved in the production of a biofuel called ethanol.

Overall, it is a cyclic process which explains the different natural and man-made steps, involving various machines that are involved in the production of a biofuel that is used in different types of motor vehicles.

The process begins with plants and trees growing through the use of sunlight and carbon dioxide. After that, these plants are harvested by use of a tractor and a harvester machine. Then this harvested crop is chopped for pre-processing by a chopper to obtain cellulose.

This cellulose is transported to a factory, where it is processed to sugars. Different types of microbes are introduced into this sugar, which convert it into ethanol. This ethanol is used to fuel different cars and airplanes. The vehicles emit carbon dioxide, which is subsequently absorbed by plants and used in the process of photosynthesis.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the visual prompt, providing a clear overview of the cyclic process of ethanol production. The main stages are accurately reported, starting from energy and plant growth through to harvesting, pre-processing, cellulose extraction, and processing into sugars. The introduction of microbes and the subsequent creation of ethanol and carbon dioxide release are also captured well. The response is concise and hits the core information points without straying off-topic. While some minor details from the complex diagram are naturally omitted due to length, the overall report is accurate, well-grounded in the visual data, and completely fulfills the requirements for Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression from the beginning to the end of the biofuel cycle. The student uses appropriate cohesive devices to signal sequence, such as 'The process begins with', 'After that', 'Then', and 'This cellulose is transported to'. Paragraphing is handled well, dividing the introduction and overview from the sequential body details. Referencing across sentences is clear, such as using 'This cellulose' and 'This ethanol' to maintain continuity. While cohesion is at times a bit mechanical, it clearly guides the reader through the linear stages of the circular process without confusion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic process description, incorporating terms such as 'cyclic process', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'photosynthesis'. There are occasional slight repetitions, such as reusing 'different types of' or 'involved in' in the overview paragraph, but precision improves in the body paragraphs. Word choices are generally natural and communication is never impeded. Although the range is not exceptionally wide or sophisticated, it is entirely adequate to convey the technical information required for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and participle phrases like 'which convert it into ethanol'. Grammatical control is generally strong; the majority of sentences are accurate, and punctuation is handled correctly. There are only a few minor awkward phrasings, such as 'by use of a tractor', but these do not impede communication. Complex forms are attempted successfully, showing a sound grasp of tense and voice suitable for describing a continuous natural and industrial process.

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