Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The diagram illustrates the production of biofuel, called ethanol in various different stages.

Overall, diagram explains that procedure begins with the absorption of energy by plants to grow and culminates with the production of ethanol used by vehicles that release carbon dioxide.

Initially, the sun produces energy and carbon dioxide which are consumed by plants and trees to grow. Afterwards, the grown plants are harvested to be pre-processed mechanically. When plants are pre-processed, they are transformed into cellulose. Cellulose, is then taken to laboraties in order to process them chemically.

Subsequently, the chemically processed cellulose is converted into a sugar like substance. Then, microbes are added to sugar to produce ethanol. Finally, the produced ethanol is used as a biofuel by different vehicles. Vehicles using ethanol as a biofuel, involved in emission of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide released from vehicles, rises back into the atmosphere and this process keeps repeating over and over again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all the main steps in the biofuel production cycle, from plant growth and harvesting through to processing, microbe addition, ethanol utilization, and carbon dioxide release. An overview is provided in the second sentence, noting that the process begins with plant growth and culminates in ethanol use and carbon dioxide emissions. The key features of the diagram are reported accurately, and the cyclical nature of the process is captured. The response meets all requirements for Task 1 by selecting and reporting the main features without introducing irrelevant outside information. Therefore, a solid Band 7 is achieved for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. The essay begins with an introductory statement and an overview, followed by a chronological description of the stages, and concludes by describing the carbon cycle loop. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages, such as 'Initially', 'Afterwards', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally'. Paragraphing is appropriate, separating the introduction/overview from the main body process description. While paragraphing could be slightly more refined by separating the cycle conclusion into its own short paragraph, the logical flow throughout is clear, satisfying the criteria for Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a technical process, utilizing terms like 'absorption', 'harvested', 'pre-processed', 'cellulose', and 'emission'. There are occasional awkward expressions, such as 'sugar like substance' (which should be hyphenated as 'sugar-like') and 'laboraties' (a spelling error). However, less common items are attempted with some awareness of style, and the errors do not impede communication. The lexical range is sufficient to allow flexibility and precision, fitting comfortably into Band 6.5, rounded to 6.0 based on minor slips in word choice and spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, using passive voice effectively in places (e.g., 'plants are harvested', 'cellulose is converted'). There are, however, several grammatical errors and punctuation slips throughout the text. For instance, the phrase 'Overall, diagram explains' lacks an article, 'Cellulose, is then taken' contains an unnecessary comma, and 'involved in emission' misses a subject/auxiliary verb ('are involved'). Despite these errors, communication is rarely impeded, and the majority of sentences are understandable. This performance aligns well with Band 6.

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