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 shows the production of ethanol, which is used as a biofuel. The process figure comprises of the number of steps starting from the natural gas to the end product, ethanol.

The biofuel formation starts with the chemical reaction between sunlight and carbon dioxide, which results in photosynthesis that promotes the growth of plants and trees. Next, after cutting down the trees and plants, they undergo commercial-scale pre-processing. During this step, cellulose is extracted from leaves. After extraction, it is again processed by using different chemicals at an industrial level.

The fermentation reaction is carried out by adding microbes to the sugars to produce the final product,which is ethanol. Consequently, this is commonly used in different modes of transportation such as cars, trucks, and aeroplanes. When it is used in them, it burns and releases carbon dioxide again in the atmosphere, which then again added to the environment, and the cycle starts again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully addresses the main features of the diagram, accurately outlining the cyclical process of biofuel production from sunlight and carbon dioxide to ethanol and its subsequent combustion. However, there are a few minor inaccuracies and unsupported additions in the text, such as stating that the process starts with 'natural gas' (which is not in the diagram) and mentioning that cellulose is extracted from 'leaves' specifically, whereas the diagram refers more broadly to 'plants and trees'. The overview is partially integrated into the opening, but overall, all key stages of the process are adequately covered, leading to a competent representation of the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The text is logically organized with a clear overall progression from the initial growth phase through pre-processing and processing to the final usage and carbon release cycle. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader through the stages, such as 'Next', 'After extraction', and 'Consequently'. Paragraphing is utilized, though the text could be better divided into distinct developmental stages (for instance, separating the production phase from the consumption and carbon cycle phase). Referencing is generally clear, though minor mechanical transitions slightly weaken the seamless flow of the response.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common lexical items such as 'photosynthesis', 'commercial-scale', 'extraction', and 'fermentation'. However, there are notable word choice and collocation inaccuracies, such as 'The process figure comprises of the number of steps' (should be 'comprises a number of steps' without 'of') and the mention of 'natural gas' which contradicts the diagram's content. Spelling is generally accurate, but the precision in vocabulary required for higher bands is somewhat lacking due to these minor errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response includes a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, demonstrating some control over relative clauses and passive constructions, such as 'which is used as a biofuel' and 'is carried out by adding microbes'. However, grammatical errors are present, notably the redundant preposition in 'comprises of', an article issue in 'the number of steps', and a slight run-on tendency in the final sentence ('which then again added to the environment'). Despite these errors, meaning is rarely impeded, and the majority of sentences are understandable.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.