Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-05

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 process diagram illustrates the procedure of producing ethanol from plants and trees.

Overall, the cyclic process consists of several stages. The process starts with harvesting of plants and trees, which are passed through mechanical and chemical stages, and ended with the release of carbon dioxide gasses into the air.

To begin with, mature plants and trees are harvested and stored. Following this, the plants are progressed through a pre-processing stage and transformed into tiny pieces, which are turned into cellulose. The resulting material is then passed through a chemical process in a laboratory, which results in sugars.

Once this is done, the sugars are mixed with microbes, and ethanol is produced as a result of chemical reaction between sugars and microbes. Afterwards, the biofuel is consumed by vehicles and airplanes and released in the form of carbon dioxide. Finally, these gasses spread into the atmosphere, and are re-absorbed by the plants and trees for their growth, undergoing a cyclic process.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and outlining the main stages of the biofuel production cycle. The key features of the diagram are properly selected and reported, from the harvesting of plants and trees through pre-processing, cellulose creation, and processing into sugars, up to the addition of microbes and the subsequent release of carbon dioxide. The progression is accurately described, though some stages, such as the transport phase using vehicles and airplanes, are slightly over-generalized. Ideas are well-supported and extended throughout the response, meeting all the requirements for a solid performance on this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

There is a clear logical organisation and progression throughout the response, which effectively guides the reader through the circular process. The text is divided into appropriate paragraphs, starting with an introductory statement, moving to an overview, and breaking down the individual stages in subsequent paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used flexibly, with appropriate transition markers such as 'To begin with', 'Following this', 'Once this is done', and 'Finally'. Referencing is generally clear and helps to maintain the flow of information across the continuous loop of ethanol production and carbon dioxide absorption.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is adequate and demonstrates sufficient range for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision when describing technical processes. Words and phrases such as 'cyclic process', 'pre-processing stage', 'transformed', and 'chemical reaction' show an attempt to use less common lexical items with some awareness of academic style. However, there are occasional minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as writing 'are progressed through' instead of 'are processed through' or 'are subjected to', and 'carbon dioxide gasses' instead of the uncountable 'gas'. These minor slips prevent the lexical score from reaching a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The writing displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple forms, featuring frequent error-free sentences. There is good control of grammar and punctuation, with complex clauses integrated well, such as in the sentence 'The process starts with harvesting of plants and trees, which are passed through mechanical and chemical stages...'. While control is generally strong, a few persistent minor errors occur, such as the missing article in 'ended with the release' and slight awkwardness in passive verb forms like 'are progressed through'. Nevertheless, these errors do not impede communication and the grammatical control remains solid.

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