Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The diagrams illustrate the production of ethanol from plant-based cellulose and its subsequent use as a biofuel.

The process begins with plants and trees, which absorb carbon dioxide during growth. Once matured, they are harvested and subjected to pre-processing, where cellulose is extracted. This cellulose undergoes further processing to form sugars. At this stage, microbes are introduced to convert the sugars into ethanol.

The ethanol produced is then utilized as a renewable fuel for vehicles such as cars, trucks, and airplanes. During combustion, these vehicles emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is subsequently absorbed by plants and trees, thereby completing the cycle.

A notable feature of the process is its cyclical nature, where carbon dioxide released from vehicles is reabsorbed by vegetation, reducing net emissions compared to fossil fuels. Another point of comparison is that while traditional fuels rely on finite resources, ethanol production depends on renewable biomass. The diagrams highlight a sustainable cycle in which plant-derived cellulose is transformed into ethanol, used as fuel, and reintegrated into the environment through carbon absorption.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by outlining the main stages of ethanol production from plant-based cellulose and its subsequent use and carbon cycle. The overview is clear and well-integrated, noting the cyclical nature of the process. The sequence of steps—from plant growth and harvesting through pre-processing, cellulose extraction, processing into sugars, microbial conversion into ethanol, vehicle usage, and carbon dioxide release—is accurately reported and aligns precisely with the visual data. The response meets all requirements for an Academic Task 1 summary without including irrelevant personal opinions or extraneous details.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response is exceptionally well-structured and easy to follow. Ideas are logically sequenced, following the chronological and circular flow of the diagram seamlessly. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, the core manufacturing steps, the utilization phase, and the analytical summary. Cohesive devices are handled naturally and appropriately, such as 'The process begins with', 'Once matured', and 'During combustion'. Referencing is clear throughout, ensuring a smooth and natural progression of information from one stage to the next without any mechanical or repetitive transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical resource, employing precise vocabulary relevant to scientific and environmental processes. Words and phrases such as 'plant-based cellulose', 'subjected to pre-processing', 'microbes are introduced', and 'renewable biomass' show a strong command of less common items. Collocations are generally accurate and natural, contributing to the professional tone of the report. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors, and the vocabulary is used with sufficient precision to elevate the quality of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated syntactic constructions such as participial phrases ('Once matured, they are harvested') and relative clauses ('where carbon dioxide released from vehicles is reabsorbed'). Grammatical control is strong throughout, with appropriate punctuation and tense consistency. Any minor limitations are virtually non-existent, placing this response firmly in the higher band range for grammar.

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