Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of producing 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 is 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 harvested 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 release the carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all key stages of the biofuel production cycle, from the initial growth of plants using sunlight and carbon dioxide to the final transportation and release of emissions. An overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting the main cyclical nature of the process, particularly the return of carbon dioxide. The information is accurately reported without any major omissions or misinterpretations of the visual data. The progression of steps—including harvesting, pre-processing, cellulose creation, processing into sugars, and the addition of microbes—is properly sequenced and supported by the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. It opens with an introductory paraphrase of the prompt, followed by a well-defined overview paragraph. Subsequent paragraphs logically trace the chronological steps of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'First', 'After that', 'In the next stage', 'Following this', and 'Finally' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the stages, although referencing is occasionally slightly mechanical.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response, correctly employing terms such as 'illustrates', 'harvested', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'atmosphere'. There are a few minor lexical awkwardnesses, such as 'production of biofuel called ethanol' (missing an article) and 'producing biofuel called ethanol', but these do not impede communication. The use of less common items shows a sufficient awareness of the topic.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses and passive constructions (e.g., 'plants and trees grow by using energy...', 'ethanol is transported by different types of vehicles'). There are, however, minor grammatical errors, notably 'It is then undergoes with processing' which contains a double verb and incorrect preposition. Despite these occasional lapses, the majority of sentences are grammatically sound and do not impede communication.

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

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