Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates about the production of biofuel known as ethanol.

Overall, the procedure of ethanol production involves several steps. It starts with the consumption of sunlight and carbon dioxide as an energy source by plants and trees. On the completion of the procedure, it produces more carbon dioxide that is spread in the atmosphere and again used by plants and trees as an energy source along with the sunlight.

Initially, the plants and trees consume sunlight and carbon dioxide as an energy source and prepare themselves to be ready for harvesting. After harvesting, the material is sent for preprocessing. The processed form of harvested plants and trees is then converted into cellulose, which is further processed and converted into sugars.

Finally, ethanol is produced by adding the microbes into sugars. The ethanol produced as a biofuel is then used in different types of transportation, such as cars, trucks, or airplanes. These transportation methods create more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is again used as a source of energy by plants and trees, thus making the whole procedure cyclic.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all the key stages of the ethanol production process depicted in the diagram. The student identifies the main features, starting from the consumption of sunlight and carbon dioxide by plants, moving through harvesting, pre-processing, conversion into cellulose and sugars, addition of microbes, and finally the production and consumption of ethanol which releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. An adequate overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting that the process is a cyclic one involving carbon dioxide emissions and absorption. While some minor details of the sequential flow could be expanded slightly, the response fully addresses the prompt and meets the criteria for Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The text is logically organised with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological steps of the diagram. The student makes good use of cohesive devices and sequencing markers such as 'Initially', 'After harvesting', 'then', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each stage of the cycle separated logically. Progression is clear throughout, making the cyclical nature of the diagram easy to follow, supporting a solid Band 7.0 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary relevant to the process, such as 'consumption', 'preprocessing', 'cellulose', 'microbes', and 'cyclic'. However, there is a minor lexical inaccuracy in the opening sentence: 'The diagram illustrates about the production...' where the preposition 'about' is unnecessary after 'illustrates'. While the vocabulary is adequate and allows for clear communication, it lacks the broader flexibility and precision of less common lexical items required for higher bands, placing it firmly at Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, using relative clauses and participial phrases effectively (e.g., 'Carbon dioxide that is spread in the atmosphere...'). Grammatical control is generally strong, with frequent error-free sentences. Punctuation is accurate, and verbs and subjects agree correctly throughout. Although the grammatical range is somewhat standard rather than fully flexible, the control over complex structures warrants a Band 7.0.

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