Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-06

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 illustrates the manufacturing process of biofuel known as ethanol.

Overall, the procedure to make ethanol is a sustainable, cyclic process with 7 main stages: harvesting, preprocessing, cellulose refining, post-processing, sugar formation, addition of microbes, and finally distribution.

The ethanol preparation starts with the harvesting of crops using machines like tractors, which are then pre-processed to remove unnecessary parts from the cellulose. The refined cellulose is then transported to the factory for further processing.

Here at the factory, multiple chemical processes are performed to form sugar molecules. Finally, microbes are added to the sugar molecules to produce ethanol. This is the complete manufacturing process for ethanol.

Now this fuel is made available for various forms of transportation, such as cars, buses, and airplanes. The carbon dioxide produced by vehicles and the sunlight provide energy to the plantations, which helps plants and trees grow. This is a sustainable process that helps to regrow crops.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by outlining the main stages of how ethanol is produced from plants. However, some aspects are under-developed or inaccurately described. For instance, the student states there are seven main stages including 'post-processing' and 'distribution', which are not standard labels for this specific chemical cycle shown in the diagram. While an overview is attempted, it misses a clearer explanation of the cyclical nature of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere, the plants, and the fuel emissions until the very end, leading to a somewhat fragmented reporting of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The text maintains a coherent overall arrangement with a clear division between the introductory statement, the body of the process, and the concluding stages. Progression is generally logical, moving step-by-step from harvesting to final use. However, cohesive devices are at times mechanical, relying on transitional phrases like 'The ethanol preparation starts with...', 'Here at the factory...', and 'Finally...' rather than more sophisticated linking. Referencing is mostly clear, though paragraphing could be better managed to group the linear transformation separately from the environmental cycle.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

An adequate range of vocabulary is deployed for the task, successfully attempting less common terminology such as 'manufacturing process', 'cellulose refining', and 'chemical processes'. Some word choices, however, are slightly imprecise or awkward given the context, such as 'post-processing' or referring to transport distribution in a scientific process diagram. There are minor inaccuracies in word choice, but these do not impede communication. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and passive constructions appropriately in sentences like 'The ethanol preparation starts with the harvesting of crops using machines like tractors, which are then pre-processed...' There are some grammatical errors, such as article usage and prepositional phrasing, but they rarely impede communication. Punctuation is generally controlled, allowing the reader to follow the structural progression of the descriptive text without difficulty.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.