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 given diagram illustrates the process of producing ethanol. Overall, the process consists of several stages, from tree cutting to harvesting, followed by chemical processing, which leads to the production of ethanol. This is used by different vehicles, which results in the formation of carbon dioxide. In the first stage, different plants and trees are grown using energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide. The harvesting machines cut trees and plants, which are then transported to the factories where pre-processing of wood occurs. In the next step, cellulose is formed from small pieces of wood, followed by its chemical processing. After mixing different chemicals in the laboratory, sugars are manufactured. Many microbes are mixed with sugars, which results in the production of ethanol. This ethanol can be used as a fuel by different types of vehicles such as cars, trucks and jets. These vehicles release CO2 gas, which will be used again by plants as energy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student covers the main stages of the biofuel production cycle well, starting from plant growth and harvesting through to processing, ethanol creation, and its subsequent use by vehicles leading to carbon dioxide release. The overview captures the general flow of the diagram accurately. However, there are minor inaccuracies in the sequencing and detail; for instance, the text mentions 'tree cutting' before harvesting, whereas the diagram shows growing, harvesting, pre-processing, and then cellulose. The response could have been enhanced by explicitly highlighting the circular nature of the cycle and how carbon dioxide acts as a continuous loop. Nonetheless, all major parts of the diagram are addressed, satisfying the requirements for a Band 6.5 or 7.0 response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear logical progression from start to finish. The writer uses standard sequencing phrases such as 'In the first stage', 'In the next step', and 'After mixing' to guide the reader through the linear stages of the circular diagram. Paragraphing is adequate, although the entire response is condensed into a single body paragraph following the introduction, which limits the score for paragraphing. Referencing is generally clear, and cohesive devices are functional, though slightly mechanical in places. Overall, the information flows smoothly enough to ensure readability without causing confusion.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a process diagram, using terms such as 'harvesting machines', 'pre-processing', 'cellulose', 'chemical processing', and 'microbes'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, though some collocations are slightly unnatural, such as 'tree cutting' or 'chemical processing in the laboratory' (the diagram indicates a factory setting). Spelling and word choices are generally accurate and do not impede communication. With a slightly wider range of precise lexical items and better collocation control, a higher band could be achieved.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating relative clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'which are then transported to the factories where pre-processing of wood occurs'). Grammar and punctuation are generally well-controlled, with many error-free sentences. Minor issues occur, such as the tense shift in 'which will be used again by plants as energy' (present simple is generally preferred for describing general processes). Overall, grammatical control is solid, supporting clear communication of the technical stages.

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