Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-02

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 demonstrates the manufacture process of a biofuel known as ethanol.

Overal,the process includes five major steps, starting from harvesting of the plants and tress to the final production of Ethanol using Microbes.

Firstly, the plants and trees are harvested using a tractor, which are then pulverised into small fine pieces using a grinder to break down it's cellulose, this process is known as Pre-processing.Then after ,the obtained product under goes another major step called as processing.

Likewise, after throughly processing the by-product of the pre-processing step, sugar is obtained. The sugars are then mixed with Microbes.Furthermore , the microrganisms then feed on sugar and produce Ethanol as a by-product. The final product ;Ethanol, is used as a fuel for veachiles like cars, trucks as well as aeroplanes which then produce carbondioxide gas as they burn the fuel for energy. These emitted carbondioxide gas are then inhaled by the tress and plants for their growth,thus creating a complete cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all key stages of the ethanol production cycle shown in the diagram, meeting the minimum word count. It selects and reports the main features, moving from sunlight and plant growth through harvesting, pre-processing, processing, and the addition of microbes, down to the final fuel use and carbon dioxide absorption. However, the development is slightly uneven; while some stages are described with detail, others lack complete precision in tracking the exact sequence. To reach a higher band, the description of every stage would need to be fully extended and supported without minor gaps in the chronological flow.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response presents a coherent overall arrangement with a logical progression from the beginning to the end of the biofuel cycle. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction, main body steps, and the concluding cycle explanation. Cohesive devices are employed, such as 'Firstly', 'Then after', and 'Likewise', though some referencing and linking mechanisms feel mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'Then after ,the obtained product under goes'. To move further up the scale, the student needs to use cohesive devices more flexibly and smoothly, ensuring seamless transitions between sentences without awkward spacing or punctuation.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a technical process, attempting less common terms such as 'pulverised', 'by-product', and 'microorganisms'. However, there are noticeable spelling and word-choice inaccuracies throughout the text, including 'Overal', 'tress', 'under goes', 'throughly', and 'veachiles'. These errors do not seriously impede communication, reflecting a mid-level command of vocabulary. To achieve a higher band, the writer must expand the range of precise scientific vocabulary and eliminate spelling slips and collocation errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The writing displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at relative clauses and participial phrases, such as 'which are then pulverised' and 'as they burn the fuel'. However, there are frequent errors in punctuation, spacing, and grammatical structures, such as comma splices ('Overal,the process'), incorrect pronoun reference ('to break down it\'s cellulose'), and awkward phrasing ('These emitted carbondioxide gas are then inhaled'). These errors indicate limited control over complex structures and punctuation. To improve, the student needs to produce a higher proportion of error-free sentences and tighten control over basic grammar and punctuation rules.

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