Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-09

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 process displays the production method of a biofuel known as ethanol.

Overall, it is a 8-stage operation from growing plants and trees to distribution of ethanol in different sectors.

The first step is plantation of trees, as soon they grow enough by intaking sunlight and carbon dixiode, the next step is proceeded. Plants and trees are been harvested and sent to a warehouse for pre-processing them into cellulose. Once cellulose is ready, it is forwarded to a laboratory for complete processing. Labortory is the fourth stage and plays a major in entire process. It transforms cellulose into molecules of sugars, then microbes are added in sugar, which eventually produces ethanol. Ethanol is further distributed to three sectors to be consumed by vehicles like airplanes, trucks and cars. While airplanes, trucks and cars are using ethanol to function, they in return produces carbon dioxide, which is again consumed by plants for growth and the process gets started again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You cover the main sequence from plant growth through processing and ethanol use, and you identify the important cyclical feature: carbon dioxide from transport returns to support plant growth. This gives the reader a sound overall account. Some details, however, are not supported by the diagram: it does not specify a warehouse or laboratory, nor does it describe ethanol as being distributed to “sectors.” The overview also calls this an “8-stage operation,” although the diagram shows more distinct stages, including harvesting, cellulose, sugars and the addition of microbes. The process is generally clear, but more precise reporting of the labelled stages and a less speculative description would make the account more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response follows the process in a sensible order, and sequencing phrases such as “The first step,” “Once cellulose is ready,” and “then” help the reader follow the cycle. The opening overview also gives the response a clear starting point. However, the account is presented as one long body paragraph, so the stages and the overall cycle are not visually distinguished. Some links are also awkward or unclear, particularly “as soon they grow enough … the next step is proceeded” and “Labortory is the fourth stage,” which interrupts the progression. Group the description into a paragraph for the overview and one for the stages, and use direct links such as “Next” and “Finally” to make the sequence smoother.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a reasonable range of process vocabulary, including “harvested,” “pre-processing,” “cellulose,” “molecules of sugars,” and “carbon dioxide,” which helps convey the subject. There are also attempts at more formal wording, such as “production method” and “eventually produces.” However, several choices are inaccurate or unnatural for describing this diagram: “plantation of trees” does not express the growth of plants and trees, “warehouse” and “laboratory” add unsupported settings, and “distributed to three sectors” is imprecise for the vehicles shown. Spelling errors such as “dixiode” and “Labortory” also reduce accuracy. Prefer the diagram’s own labels and established process collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including a time clause (“Once cellulose is ready”) and a conditional-style sequence (“While … are using ethanol”). The overall meaning is usually recoverable, but some errors in verb forms, agreement and sentence construction remain. For example, “as soon they grow enough” needs “as soon as they grow enough,” while “Plants and trees are been harvested” should use a correct passive form, such as “are harvested.” In “they in return produces,” the plural subject requires “produce.” The sentence beginning “While airplanes…” also has an unclear structure and would be clearer as two linked clauses. More consistent control of these patterns would improve accuracy.

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