Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The diagram demonstrates the steps involved in the manufacturing of a type of biofuel, known as ethanol. The whole process of ethanol manufacturing is a cyclical process which includes three main stages that are harvesting of plants and trees, processing them to produce ethanol and usage of ethanol by transport vehicles.

The process of ethanol production starts with energy consumption by plants and trees in the form of sunlight and carbon dioxide, used for their growth. The plants and trees are then harvested for pre-processing. After pre-processing of plants and trees, cellulose is produced for further processing. In the next step, cellulose undergoes processing and the sugars are produced. Furthermore, the microbes are added in obtained sugars to create ethanol. The last stage of this process includes the consumption of ethanol by cars, trucks or airplanes where they emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The released carbon dioxide is then used as a source of energy for the growth of plants and trees from which ethanol is produced.

In conclusion, the process of ethanol production is a cyclical process consisting of three main stages. The first stage includes harvesting of plants and tress. In the second stage of the process, ethanol is manufactured by some chemical processes. Whereas, the last stage of ethanol manufacturing is the emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by the transport vehicles where it becomes an energy resource for plants and trees. The whole process of ethanol production is sustainable and also encourages sustainable development in the society.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response7.0
Coherence and Cohesion7.0
Lexical Resource6.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.5
Overall7.0

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features and stages of the biofuel production cycle. The response accurately details the sequence from energy consumption and plant growth through harvesting, pre-processing, cellulose production, processing into sugars, adding microbes to create ethanol, and finally vehicle consumption leading to carbon dioxide emission. An overview is provided in both the introduction and conclusion, identifying the cyclical nature and main phases of the process. However, the final sentence of the conclusion strays slightly from pure reporting into subjective commentary ('encourages sustainable development in the society'), which is not directly present in the diagram. Overall, the task is well addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression from the beginning to the end of the cycle. Paragraphing is used appropriately, separating the introduction, body detailing the steps, and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'The process of ethanol production starts with...', 'After pre-processing...', 'In the next step...', and 'Furthermore' are employed to guide the reader through the sequence. However, some cohesive links feel slightly mechanical and repetitive, and referencing could be smoother in places. Overall, the arrangement is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a process diagram, using terms such as 'manufacturing', 'cyclical process', 'cellulose', 'pre-processing', and 'emissions'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, though some phrasing is slightly repetitive (e.g., 'manufacturing of a type of biofuel, known as ethanol', 'process of ethanol production'). Word choice is generally appropriate, though there are minor inaccuracies such as 'tress' instead of 'trees' in the conclusion. Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main points clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as passive voice constructions ('cellulose is produced', 'microbes are added'). There are occasional grammatical inaccuracies, particularly with articles and prepositions, such as 'usage of ethanol by transport vehicles' instead of 'the usage', and 'in the atmosphere' versus 'into the atmosphere' (though both are used). Punctuation is generally sound, and errors do not impede communication. The control of grammar is reasonably good throughout the text.

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