Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-08

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 given diagram illustrate the process of production of biofuel as ethanol, from plant material.

Overall, the plants and trees harvested and undergo in processing and produce microbes which result in ethanol which is used as biofuel in various types of transport vehicles. These vehicles produce carbon dioxide which eventually result in energy source for plants and trees helps them to grow.

On closer observation, it can be seen that plants and trees are fully grown before transporting to processing facility. These plants and trees harvested and transported to pre-processing to cut into small pieces and then undergo processing to form sugar. Next, this sugar is fermented by microorganisms, producing a mixture containing ethanol.

Additionally, ethanol is used as biofuel, particularly as an alternative resource than fossils fuels. During it use, carbon dioxide released in to the atmosphere. However, this gas is absorbed by growing plants and trees, meaning that carbon dioxide forms apart of continuous cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You identify the process as a cycle and cover its main stages, from plant growth and harvesting through processing, fermentation and ethanol use, to carbon dioxide returning to plants. This gives the response a relevant overview and a generally accurate account. Some details, however, are either unclear or not shown in the diagram: “cut into small pieces” and a “mixture containing ethanol” are added specifics, while the diagram labels cellulose, sugars and microbes without describing those transformations in that way. The overview also says plants “produce microbes,” which misrepresents the sequence: microbes are added after sugars are produced. To make the account more complete and precise, describe the cellulose and sugar stages explicitly and explain that ethanol is used by cars, trucks and aircraft.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, a cycle overview, a description of production, and a final paragraph on fuel use and carbon dioxide. Sequencing expressions such as “Overall,” “On closer observation,” and “Next” help guide the reader through the stages. The progression is generally logical, but some links are imprecise or repetitive. For example, the overview says plants “produce microbes,” then the body later explains that microorganisms are involved after sugar formation. The final paragraph repeats the carbon-dioxide return already mentioned in the overview rather than adding a distinct stage. Use clearer references and transitions to show exactly what each material becomes, and organise the final stages in one continuous sequence.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a suitable range of process vocabulary, including “harvested,” “pre-processing,” “fermented,” “microorganisms,” and “absorbed,” and the meaning is generally clear. There are also attempts at more formal phrasing, such as “alternative resource” and “continuous cycle,” though some combinations are unnatural or imprecise. “Produce microbes” does not accurately express the diagram’s “microbes added,” and “fossils fuels” is an incorrect form. Other awkward choices include “transporting to processing facility” and “forms apart of.” Aim for precise process collocations and accurate word forms; this will make the description sound more natural and reduce ambiguity without requiring more elaborate vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including the relative clause in “vehicles which produce carbon dioxide” and the participle phrase “meaning that carbon dioxide forms apart of continuous cycle.” The overall meaning remains understandable, but some errors in agreement, articles, verb forms and sentence construction limit accuracy. For example, “The given diagram illustrate” needs subject–verb agreement, while “plants and trees harvested” is missing an auxiliary or passive verb. “During it use” also has an incorrect pronoun form, and “carbon dioxide released” needs a verb. Check each sentence for a complete verb phrase and ensure articles and agreement are consistent. More accurate control of these patterns would strengthen the range you are already attempting.

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.