Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-24

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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process by which ethanol, a biofuel, is produced from plant material, showing the various stages from plant growth and harvesting to the production and subsequent use of ethanol.

Overall, the process is cyclical and consists of several main stages. Plants and trees initially grow by using sunlight and carbon dioxide. They are then harvested and converted into cellulose, which is processed into sugars and subsequently fermented by microbes to produce ethanol. When the resulting biofuel is used by vehicles, carbon dioxide is released, which is then absorbed by growing plants, completing the cycle.

Initially, plants and trees grow by utilizing energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Once they have matured, they are harvested using agricultural machinery. The harvested plant material then undergoes pre-processing, after which it is converted into cellulose. This cellulose is subsequently sent to a processing facility, where it is broken down into sugars.

In the next stage, microbes are added to the sugars, causing them to undergo fermentation and resulting in the production of ethanol. The ethanol can then be used as a fuel for various forms of transport, including cars, trucks and aircraft. The combustion of this fuel releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Finally, this carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants during their growth, together with energy from sunlight, allowing the cycle to begin again. Thus, the process is described as a closed cycle in which carbon dioxide released through fuel consumption is subsequently reused in plant growth.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student has fully addressed all parts of the task by providing a clear and comprehensive summary of the process diagram showing how ethanol is produced. The overview effectively captures the main features, highlighting that the process is cyclical and encompasses stages from plant growth and harvesting to fuel consumption and carbon dioxide absorption. The body paragraphs accurately report the sequence of steps, including pre-processing, conversion into cellulose, processing into sugars, fermentation via microbes, and eventual combustion in transport. The data and stages are accurately represented without any noticeable omissions or misinterpretations.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically into well-structured paragraphs, beginning with a strong introduction and overview, followed by chronological elaboration of the process stages, and concluding with a summary of the closed cycle. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately, such as 'Initially', 'Once they have matured', 'In the next stage', and 'Finally', which guide the reader smoothly through the sequential steps without any mechanical feel or awkward referencing.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student uses a sufficient and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic process description. Less common lexical items and collocations are successfully employed, such as 'cyclical', 'agricultural machinery', 'pre-processing', 'fermentation', 'combustion', and 'closed cycle'. Word choices are accurate and demonstrate a natural control of language, with no inappropriate collocations or spelling errors that impede communication. This easily satisfies the criteria for a high band score in lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures, incorporating participial phrases (e.g., 'utilizing energy from sunlight', 'resulting in the production of ethanol') and relative clauses with high accuracy. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, demonstrating excellent control of grammar, punctuation, and tense consistency throughout the description of the continuous process. There are only very occasional minor slips, which do not detract from the overall high quality of grammatical execution.

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

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