Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.5 · 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 4.5)
The process diagram illustrates data regarding the Biofuel production by detailing the step by step procedure involved.
Overall, the diagram reveals a multi stage process, beginning with the how ethanol is made and culminating in the distribution of the final process.
Focusing in the initial stages, the process commences with plants and tree grow, which is immediately followed by harvesting and preprocessing. After this stage is complete, cellulose processing is then transfered to sugar and microbes added where it undergoes a significant modification, resulting in ethanol.
Turning to the subsequent phases of the diagram, the procedure involves types of vehicles in produce carbon dioxide before moving toward the final adjustment. Ultimately, the entire operation culminates in produce carbon dioxide, where the end of process completely distribution and last the overall complete the product and bio fuel thanol made it end.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 4.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5
The response attempts to describe the biofuel production process, covering the general cycle from plant growth to ethanol creation and carbon dioxide release. However, the student fails to meet the minimum word count of 150 words, coming in at 140 words, which negatively impacts task achievement. Furthermore, the selection and reporting of main features are weak and imprecise, with several steps of the cycle described confusingly or inaccurately. The overview provided in the second paragraph is vague and repetitive, lacking a clear, concise summary of the cyclical nature and key stages of the diagram. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed due to underdeveloped descriptions and incomplete coverage.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5
The text is organized into basic paragraphs, attempting an introduction, overview, and body details. However, logical progression breaks down significantly towards the end of the response. Cohesive devices are used awkwardly or inaccurately, such as in phrases like 'Focusing in the initial stages' and 'Turning to the subsequent phases'. The final paragraph becomes completely incoherent and repetitive ('where the end of process completely distribution and last the overall complete the product and bio fuel thanol made it end'), making the flow difficult to follow. Paragraphing is attempted, but internal cohesion fails in the latter half.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is very basic and repetitive. The student attempts some less common terms like 'multi stage process', 'commences', and 'modification', but these are overshadowed by frequent word choice errors, awkward collocations, and misuse of terms (e.g., 'plants and tree grow', 'cellulose processing is then transfered to sugar', 'in produce carbon dioxide'). There are also noticeable issues with word forms, such as 'distribution' used as a verb and repetitive phrasing of 'produce carbon dioxide'. The lexical range is minimally adequate for basic communication but lacks precision and flexibility.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but control over grammar is weak. There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('plants and tree grow'), incorrect prepositions ('Focusing in'), and severe structural breakdowns in complex sentences. For instance, the final sentence is ungrammatical and unintelligible ('Ultimately, the entire operation culminates in produce carbon dioxide, where the end of process completely distribution...'). Punctuation is basic, and frequent errors frequently impede the clarity of communication.
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