Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-28

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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process by which ethanol, a type of biofuel, is produced from plants and trees.

Overall, it is a cyclical process consisting of several stages, beginning with the growth of plants and trees and ending with the release of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide produced during the use of ethanol is then reused to support further plant growth.

Initially, plants and trees grow by using sunlight and carbon dioxide as sources of energy. Once they are mature, they are harvested and undergo pre-processing. The resulting material is then converted into cellulose, which is subsequently processed to produce sugars. Following this, microbes are added to the sugars, resulting in the production of ethanol.

In the final stage, ethanol is used as a fuel for vehicles such as cars, trucks and aircraft. These vehicles release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The gas is then absorbed by plants during their growth, completing the cycle and allowing the process to begin again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear and accurate summary of the biofuel production process. The overview effectively captures the main cyclical nature of the diagram, mentioning both the beginning stages and the final release and reuse of carbon dioxide. All key stages—from the growth of plants, harvesting, pre-processing, conversion to cellulose and sugars, addition of microbes, to the final production and use of ethanol—are reported accurately in the correct sequence without any invented or misread data. The response fully satisfies the requirements of Academic Task 1, demonstrating a well-developed understanding of the visual information.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced, guiding the reader smoothly through the cyclical process depicted in the diagram. The response is well-paragraphing, with a clear introductory sentence, an overall summary paragraph, and distinct body paragraphs detailing the sequential steps. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Once', 'subsequently', 'Following this', and 'In the final stage' are used naturally and effectively to indicate chronological progression and maintain coherence throughout the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Less common terms such as 'cyclical process', 'pre-processing', 'subsequently', and 'atmosphere' are used with good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are precise, accurately reflecting the technical nature of the process diagram without noticeable errors. While vocabulary control is strong, it stops slightly short of the wide, flexible range and highly sophisticated control required for Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex structures used accurately, such as participial phrases ('resulting in the production of ethanol') and subordinate clauses ('by using sunlight and carbon dioxide as sources of energy'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled well throughout the text. Grammar and mechanics do not impede communication in any way, showing a high level of control that fits comfortably into Band 8.

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

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