Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the production of a biofuel known as ethanol.

Overall, it is a circular process with several distinct stages commencing at plants being harvested and ending with mixing of processed sugar and microbes to form ethanol.

Initially, plants and trees grow by a photosynthesis using energy resources such as sunlight and carbon dioxide from the environment. The grown plants and trees are harvested and loaded in a truck to transport them to a place where pre-processing occurs. After the pre-processing using a machine we get cellulose.

Subsequently, the by-product of pre-processing is further processed in laboratories reacting with different chemicals. As a result, a kind of sugar is formed that is mixed with some microbes to form the end product that is ethanol. Next, ethanol as a biofuel is used in different transports for instance, cars, trucks and even airplanes. Finally, while using these vehicles they emit carbon dioxide during combustion that is released in the environment. The carbon dioxide is used by plants to grow.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by outlining the main stages of the ethanol production cycle. An adequate overview is presented in the second sentence, noting the circular nature of the process and its key beginning and endpoints. The student reports the sequence accurately, from the growth and harvesting of plants through to pre-processing, cellulose extraction, chemical processing, and the addition of microbes. However, there is a slight over-generalisation in the overview, describing the start as plants being harvested while omitting the initial growth phase, which prevents the response from achieving a higher band. Ideas are generally well-supported and extended, providing a clear overall picture of the diagram without major omissions or misinterpretations.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout, guiding the reader smoothly through the cyclical process. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate the introduction from the body details. Cohesive devices are employed with reasonable flexibility, using transition markers such as 'Initially', 'After the pre-processing', 'Subsequently', 'As a result', and 'Next' to sequence the stages appropriately. While referencing and substitution are generally clear, some minor mechanical transitions are present, which prevents the writing from achieving the more seamless flow required for the next band level. Overall, the arrangement is coherent and easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

An adequate range of vocabulary is deployed for the task, allowing the student to successfully describe the technical process. Less common items are attempted with some awareness of style, such as 'photosynthesis', 'by-product', 'combustion', and 'end product'. However, there are occasional inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as writing 'a photosynthesis' instead of 'photosynthesis', and 'transport' instead of 'modes of transport' or 'vehicles'. These minor lexical slips do not impede communication, placing the response firmly at this level. To reach higher bands, a wider variety of sophisticated synonyms and more precise collocations related to industrial processes would be required.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writing demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative clauses and participial phrases such as 'that is mixed with some microbes' and 'reacting with different chemicals'. There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, notably missing articles and prepositional issues, such as 'loaded in a truck' instead of 'onto a truck', 'a photosynthesis', and 'while using these vehicles' where a passive voice or modifier clarification would be more accurate. Nevertheless, these errors are relatively infrequent and rarely impede communication, with many sentences remaining completely error-free. Good control of basic punctuation is maintained throughout the response.

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