Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The given diagram illustrates the manufacturing of a biofuel named ethanol.

Overall, it is a cyclic process, the production takes place in several distinct stages starting with the cultivation of plants and trees. The carbon dioxide released in the final step by combustion is again utilized by plants and trees. The production involves chemical and biological steps.

Initially, the plants and trees are grown which produce energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide. After the trees mature they are harvested by machinary. Following this, the harvested trees are pre-processed to release cellulose. The cellulose is processed with various chemicals in this stage.

Furthermore, due to processing the sugers are secreated. In the next stage, microbes are added to the sugars. Finally, ethanol is produced which is used as a biofuel in cars, trucks and planes. These vehicles release carbon dioxide by burning biofuel which is used by plants and trees to generate energy, this cycle continues.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by outlining the main features of the ethanol production process. The overview clearly highlights that it is a cyclical process involving both chemical and biological steps, and that carbon dioxide is reutilized by plants. Key stages from plant cultivation and harvesting to pre-processing, cellulose extraction, sugar conversion, and microbe addition are accurately reported. The description is factual and aligns closely with the provided visual data, with no major omissions or misinterpretations of the process flow. Therefore, it meets the requirements for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically into an introduction with an overview, followed by body details tracing the sequence of the process step-by-step. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After', 'Following this', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages of the diagram, although occasional linking could be smoother. Paragraphing is appropriately handled, separating the introduction from the body content. Cohesion is sufficiently managed to earn a solid Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary relevant to the topic, including terms such as 'cultivation', 'machinery', 'pre-processed', 'cellulose', and 'microbes'. There are, however, some spelling and word-choice errors, such as 'machinary' instead of 'machinery' and 'sugers' instead of 'sugars', along with an awkward collocation like 'sugers are secreated' instead of 'sugars are produced' or 'released'. Despite these occasional inaccuracies, the vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows the message to be communicated clearly, fitting the Band 6.0 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used throughout the response, such as relative and time clauses ('After the trees mature they are harvested...', 'which produce energy...'). There are some grammatical errors and punctuation lapses, notably a comma splice in the final sentence ('...to generate energy, this cycle continues') and occasional awkward phrasing. However, these errors do not impede communication, and the writer demonstrates adequate control over basic and some complex structures, supporting a Band 6.0 score.

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