Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-27
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 5.0)
The diagram illustrates the manufacturing process of ethanol.
Overall, it constists six main stages, which are harvesting, pre processing, cellulose, processing, sugar and microbes added. starting with harvesting of plants and trees and ending with microbes added.
To commence with, chopped down of plants and trees, Initally, harvested plants are taken for next step which is pre- processed. After that, it truned into cellulose. Next, it is taken into factories for the further processing.
In subsequent stage, It trurned into sugars in which microbes is added. Finally, it turned into ethanol.
Futhermore, it is used in various mode of transportation such as areoplane, truck and car which produced carbon dioxide. Consequently, carbon dioxide it is mixed with enviroment and turned into a form of energy which is the reaction of sunlight + carbon dioxide.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The student attempts to summarise the diagram illustrating the production of ethanol, identifying the main steps in the cycle. However, the response falls short of the required 150-word minimum, containing only 134 words, which negatively impacts the overall task achievement. Furthermore, the overview is slightly inaccurate, as the student lists 'cellulose', 'sugar' and 'microbes added' as separate main stages in the sequence rather than intermediate substances or actions within the process. While the progression from harvesting through processing to ethanol and its subsequent use in transport leading back to carbon dioxide is mentioned, the explanation of the circular nature of the carbon cycle remains somewhat superficial. To reach a higher band, the writer must ensure the word count requirement is met and provide a more accurate overview of the physical and chemical stages depicted.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The text attempts a logical progression, starting with an introductory sentence and attempting to guide the reader through the steps using transition markers such as 'To commence with', 'Initially', 'After that', and 'Finally'. However, the paragraphing is poor, consisting of very short, disjointed sentences that break the flow of information. Cohesive devices are sometimes used mechanically or inaccurately, such as 'In subsequent stage, It trurned into sugars in which microbes is added.' Reference words are occasionally unclear, and the overall structural organisation lacks the smooth progression expected at higher bands. Better paragraph division separating the manufacturing process from the transport and carbon dioxide cycle would enhance coherence.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is generally basic and repetitive, with frequent reliance on simple verbs like 'turned' and 'taken'. There are noticeable lexical and spelling errors throughout the text, including 'constists' instead of 'consists', 'pre processing' without a hyphen, 'truned' instead of 'turned', and 'areoplane' instead of 'aeroplane'. The range of vocabulary is limited to what is immediately prompted by the diagram labels, showing very little flexibility or attempt at less common lexical items. While the terminology is mostly adequate for the reader to follow the general idea, the recurrent errors in spelling and word formation restrict the score to a Band 5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex structures, but control over grammar is weak. There are frequent grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'chopped down of plants and trees', 'Initally, harvested plants are taken for next step which is pre- processed', and 'carbon dioxide it is mixed with enviroment'. Punctuation and capitalization are also problematic, with lowercase letters at the beginning of sentences following periods and erratic comma usage. The high frequency of structural and mechanical errors causes noticeable strain for the reader and prevents the response from achieving a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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