Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-29
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 process chart shows the eight different steps involved in formation and distribution of biofuel. Processes includes: harvesting, pre-processing, cellulose, processing, sugars, addition of microbes, ethanol formation, and packaged to distribute among different industries.
Overall, the process can be divided into three main categories. First step involves: harvested trees and plants transported to pre-processing unit ,where grains were separated to form the cellulose,which is processed at processing unit. Second main categorie includes the formation of sugars and addition of microbes to from end product ethanol. Last category involves the packaging and distribution to the consumer industries.
In the first main category, the trees and plants harvested and transported to the intial processing unit, separated the grains and form th cellulose, which was processed at processing unit to make sugars.
The most important part of the process is the formation of crystallized sugars in which the micro-organisms are added to preserve and make the final product ethanol. Ethanol is used and transported to different industries such as aeroplanes, cars, and trucks
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 response attempts to summarise the diagram illustrating the production of ethanol, identifying key stages such as harvesting, pre-processing, and the addition of microbes. However, there are notable inaccuracies in the reporting of the visual data. The student mentions that 'grains were separated to form the cellulose', which is a misinterpretation of the diagram where plants and trees grow, undergo pre-processing, and yield cellulose. Additionally, the description includes extraneous details not found in the source, such as packaging for consumer industries. While an overview is attempted, the development of ideas is limited by these misreadings and inaccurate details, placing this criterion at Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The essay is divided into paragraphs, which provides a basic structural framework, but the logical progression is frequently disrupted. The use of transitional markers and cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'First step involves:', 'Second main categorie includes', 'Last category involves'). Furthermore, referencing is occasionally unclear, and the internal organisation within paragraphs leads to confusion, particularly in the third paragraph where sentence structures fragment the flow of the process description. Paragraphing is present, but overall coherence is hampered by faulty logical sequencing, warranting a Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is minimally adequate for the task, with domain-specific terms attempted such as 'harvesting', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', and 'micro-organisms'. However, there are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'formation and distribution of biofuel', 'intial processing unit', and spelling mistakes like 'categorie'. The range of vocabulary is limited, and these recurring inaccuracies occasionally cause difficulty for the reader or require rereading, aligning with Band 5.0 descriptors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response displays a very limited range of sentence structures, with frequent grammatical errors. There are issues with subject-verb agreement and tense consistency, such as 'Processes includes:', 'harvested trees and plants transported...', and 'separated the grains and form th cellulose, which was processed'. Attempts at complex sentences are frequently faulty, leading to ungrammatical constructions. Punctuation errors are also present. Due to the high frequency of errors across basic and attempted complex structures, a Band 5.0 is appropriate.
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