Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-26

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 diagram illustrates the process of producing of biofuel called ethanol, from the growth of plants to its transportation by different modes of transport.

Overall, there are several stages involved in the production of ethanol. The process starts with the energy (sunlight + carbon dioxide) being used in the growth of plants and ends with transporting the ethanol. Importantly, carbon dioxide released during transportation which returns to the beginning of the process.

First, plants and trees grow by using energy from the sunlight and carbon dioxide. After that, they are then harvest and undergo pre-processing.

In the next stage, pre-processed material produces cellulose. It is then undergoes with processing to produce sugars. Following this, microbes are added to the sugars, resulting in the production of ethanol.

Finally, ethanol is transported by different types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks and planes which releases the carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully covers all the key stages of the ethanol production process depicted in the diagram, ranging from the initial growth of plants using sunlight and carbon dioxide to the final combustion and carbon release. The response includes a clear overview that highlights the cyclic nature of the process and the involvement of transport. Main features and steps are reported accurately, such as harvesting, pre-processing, cellulose formation, processing into sugars, and the addition of microbes. While the detail is slightly narrative-driven rather than highly analytical, all parts of the prompt are addressed adequately, meeting the requirements for a Band 6.5 or 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response is logically organised and easy to follow. The student uses a clear paragraph structure with a satisfactory introduction and overview, followed by chronological body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After that', 'In the next stage', and 'Finally' are employed to guide the reader through the sequence of events. However, referencing and transitions are at times a little mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but overall the logical progression could be smoother and more sophisticated to reach higher bands.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a process, including terms like 'pre-processed material', 'cellulose', 'sugars', and 'microbes'. There are some word formation and lexical errors, such as 'producing of biofuel' in the opening sentence and 'they are then harvest' instead of 'harvested'. Attempts to use less common vocabulary are generally successful, though slightly imprecise in places, such as 'It is then undergoes with processing'. The lexical range is sufficient to communicate the main points clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors throughout the text, notably passive voice construction slips ('they are then harvest', 'It is then undergoes with processing') and a minor error in the overview ('carbon dioxide released during transportation which returns'). Despite these errors, meaning is rarely impeded, and the student demonstrates an ability to construct compound and complex sentences. Punctuation is generally acceptable.

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

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