Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-30

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 explains the step-by-step process included in the production of Ethanol in an industrial setup.

Overall, it is a cyclic process begin with plant growth and ends with ethanol being used as a fuel, releasing Carbon Dioxide that further support vegetation.

Initially, plants and trees absorbs sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow. Once mature, these are harvested using mechanical equipments and sent for pre-processing. During this process they converted to cellulose, which undergoes various treatments to produce sugars. Later, microbes were added to facilitate fermentation, resulting into ethanol and carbon diaoxide as by product.

The final product is used as fuel in various vehicles such as trucks, cars and areoplanes for the purpose of commutation and logistics. During the combustion, carbon dioxide is release back into the atmosphere, which plants reuse it as a component for their growth, completing this cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully identifies the main stages of the biofuel production cycle, from plant growth and harvesting through pre-processing, fermentation, and final combustion. The overall cyclical nature of the process is correctly captured in the overview. Key steps such as pre-processing into cellulose, adding microbes, and the release of carbon dioxide are accurately reported. However, the response falls slightly short of the 150-word minimum requirement, containing only 142 words. This minor under-length penalty prevents the task achievement score from reaching a higher band, despite the content itself being clear, relevant, and well-structured.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The text presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically into paragraphs that trace the sequential steps of the diagram. Cohesive devices and time markers such as 'Overall', 'Initially', 'Once mature', and 'Later' are used effectively to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with an introduction, an overview, and separate body paragraphs detailing the stages and the final usage. Referencing throughout the response is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task with some flexibility and precision, employing terms such as 'industrial setup', 'cyclic process', 'mechanical equipments', 'fermentation', and 'combustion'. There are a few lexical and grammatical word-form errors, such as 'equipments' (equipment is uncountable), 'diaoxide' (spelling error), and 'absorbs' instead of 'absorb' following 'plants and trees'. Despite these minor inaccuracies, the vocabulary is adequate to convey the processes clearly without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including relative clauses and participial phrases such as 'resulting into ethanol and carbon dioxide as by product'. There are several grammatical slips, including subject-verb agreement errors ('plants and trees absorbs'), incorrect passive/active voice constructions ('they converted to cellulose' instead of 'they are converted'), and minor preposition or article issues. However, these errors do not impede communication, and the overall structure remains clear and readable.

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

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