Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The diagram presents steps and equipment used in manfacturing of a biofuel called ethanol. Overall, the whole cycle takes up to 8 steps from its formation to its breakdown. Production of this particular biofuel starts from harvestion of the plants and trees and ends up at the consumption of carbon dioxide by plants.

First step inculdes harvestion of greenery, which is than pre processed with the help of machinary. Than cellulose is created as the by-product in which chemicals are added to form sugar. Subsequently, microbes are added to that sugar which results in formation of final product called Ethanol. Ethanol is a useful biofuel which is used to power cars, heavy vechicles, and aeroplanes. Ethanol consumption produces carbon dioxide as a by product which is later release into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is than processed by plants to produce energy.

The circular modle showcase the production and consumption of Ethanol.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully outlines the main stages of the biofuel production cycle from the initial growth of plants to the final consumption of carbon dioxide. The response correctly identifies the key sequence, noting the harvesting stage, pre-processing, cellulose and sugar formation, and the addition of microbes to create ethanol. Furthermore, the final stage where ethanol is consumed by vehicles and transformed back into carbon dioxide absorbed by plants is accurately captured. An overview is provided, stating that the cycle takes up to 8 steps. However, minor details like energy input from sunlight and carbon dioxide at the very beginning are omitted, and the number of steps is slightly miscounted given the full loop. Overall, all parts of the visual prompt are adequately covered, fulfilling the requirements for Band 6.5 to 7.0, with a balanced focus on the main features.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation, moving sequentially from the beginning of the cycle to the end. Progression is guided by transitional markers such as 'First step', 'Than', 'Subsequently', and 'later release'. Paragraphing is attempted, although the structure is somewhat fragmented into overly short paragraphs, including a single-sentence concluding paragraph ('The circular modle showcase the production and consumption of Ethanol.'). Cohesive devices are used, but referencing is occasionally imprecise, and the mechanical repetition of 'Than' instead of 'Then' detracts from the flow. While the overall arrangement is coherent, the paragraphing and mechanical cohesive links restrict the score to Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, attempting process-related terminology such as 'manufacturing', 'by-product', 'microbes', and 'consumption'. However, there are multiple spelling errors throughout the text, including 'manfacturing' instead of 'manufacturing', 'harvestion' instead of 'harvesting', 'inculdes' instead of 'includes', 'machinary' instead of 'machinery', 'vechicles' instead of 'vehicles', 'release' instead of 'released', and 'modle' instead of 'model'. Furthermore, the word 'Than' is repeatedly misused in place of 'Then'. These lexical and spelling errors are noticeable and detract from the overall precision, placing the response firmly in the Band 5.5 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Production of this particular biofuel starts from harvestion of the plants and trees and ends up at the consumption of carbon dioxide by plants.' Grammatical control is mixed; there are several errors including verb tense and article usage issues ('is than pre processed', 'in which chemicals are added to form sugar', 'is later release'). Punctuation and sentence boundaries are generally maintained, but frequent mechanical and grammatical slips impede smooth reading in places. This corresponds to a Band 6.0.

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

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