Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the cyclical process of producing ethanol from plants and its subsequent use as a fuel, showing how carbon dioxide is recycled.

Overall, it is clear that the process is a natural cycle with eight main stages, starting from plant growth and ending with carbon dioxide returning to the atmosphere to help new plants grow. It can be seen that ethanol is used to power different types of transport.

In the first stage, plants and trees grow by absorbing carbon dioxide. In the second stage, these plants are harvested by a tractor. After harvesting, the material goes through pre-processing, where it is broken down into small pieces.

Next, these small pieces are converted into cellulose, which is then sent to a processing factory. In the processing stage, cellulose is transformed into sugars. After that, microbes are added to the sugars to produce ethanol.

In the final stage, ethanol is used as a fuel for various vehicles, including cars, trucks, and airplanes. When these vehicles run, they emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is then reused by plants and trees to grow again, thus completing the cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response successfully covers all parts of the visual prompt by providing a clear overview of the cyclical process and reporting the main stages from plant growth to carbon dioxide release. Key features, such as the initial absorption of sunlight and carbon dioxide, the processing of cellulose into sugars, and the final use of ethanol in vehicles, are well-reported and logically selected. The student's ideas are extended and supported effectively throughout the description, ensuring the visual information is accurately summarized without omitting major steps. To reach the highest band, the response could incorporate slightly more precise quantitative or relational comparisons across the stages, although the current level of detail fully satisfies the requirements of a clear overall overview and well-developed key features.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The writer introduces the diagram effectively in the first paragraph, outlines the overall cyclical nature in the second paragraph, and then guides the reader through the sequential stages in the subsequent paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'After harvesting', and 'Next' are used flexibly and appropriately to signal chronological progression. Paragraphing is managed skilfully, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct phase of the biofuel production cycle. Referencing is clear and precise, ensuring the text flows smoothly without abrupt transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, successfully using less common items appropriate to an academic process description, such as 'cyclical process', 'absorbing', 'converted', and 'emit'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate throughout the response. Although there are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, the lexical range stops just short of the wide, flexible repertoire required for the highest bands, occasionally relying on more standard descriptive terms like 'small pieces' where a more sophisticated scientific alternative could be employed.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a good variety of complex sentence structures alongside simple forms, with frequent error-free sentences demonstrating strong overall control of grammar and punctuation. Complex structures, such as relative clauses ('where it is broken down') and adverbial clauses of time, are handled accurately. Verb forms, tenses, and subject-verb agreement remain consistent throughout the description of this continuous natural process. Punctuation is also well-managed, separating clauses effectively. A few minor persistent lapses prevent it from achieving absolute mastery, but the grammatical range and accuracy are firmly established.

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

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