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 provided diagram illustrates a step-by-step guide of how a type of biofuel known as ethanol is produced.

Overall, the process comprises nine distinct stages, operating in a cyclical sequence that begins with growth of plants with the help of sunlight and culminates in Carbon Dioxide going back to atmosphere and the cycle continues. When ethanol is produced it is used to run cars, trucks etc.

As first step, plants and tress grow with the assistance of sunlight and carbon dioxide which provide energy to them. Next, these tress are harvested with a tractor and then pre- processed with the help of machine to convert it into Cellulose.

In fifth step, this cellulose go through processing to convert it into sugars. Following this, Microbes are added in it which eventually makes ethanol. It is then used as a biofuel to drive cars , trucks, airplanes. All of them releases carbon dioxide which again go to atmosphere to continue the process.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the process as cyclical and cover the main sequence from plant growth through harvesting, pre-processing, cellulose, sugars, microbes and ethanol. You also include the transport uses and the return of carbon dioxide, so the account is relevant and the overall cycle is clear. However, some details are less fully or precisely reported: the diagram shows sunlight and carbon dioxide as inputs to plant growth, and carbon dioxide released by the vehicles returning to the plants, rather than simply going back to the atmosphere. The claim that there are “nine distinct stages” is also not clearly supported by the diagram’s sequence. For a stronger response, describe the carbon-dioxide loop precisely and distinguish the stages from the inputs and outputs; mention that ethanol powers cars, trucks and aeroplanes as the link completing the cycle.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, an overview, and a chronological account of the production stages. Sequencing phrases such as “Next,” “Following this,” and “It is then” help the reader follow the process, and the final sentence returns to the cycle. This meets the lower-band expectation of coherent organisation and shows some of the stronger progression associated with a higher level. However, the progression is occasionally mechanical, and references such as “it” in “pre-processed … to convert it” and “added in it” are not fully clear. The overview also repeats information that is explained later. Use more precise references to the material at each stage, and connect the final carbon-dioxide loop explicitly back to plant growth.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of process vocabulary, including “harvested,” “pre-processed,” “cellulose,” “processing,” “sugars,” and “microbes,” which allows you to describe the main stages. “Cyclical sequence” is also a useful phrase for the diagram’s overall pattern. Some choices are imprecise or informal for an academic process description: “step-by-step guide” suggests instructions, “run cars” is less suitable than a fuel-related expression, and “etc.” is vague when the diagram names three transport types. There are also spelling and form slips, including “tress” and “Cellulose” capitalised mid-sentence. Aim for precise process collocations and consistent spelling and capitalisation, while avoiding vague shorthand.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including the overview clause “that begins with growth … and culminates in…” and the sequence “which eventually makes ethanol.” The meaning is generally understandable, but some grammatical errors remain. For example, “this cellulose go” needs subject–verb agreement, while “All of them releases” should use a plural verb. The opening of the third paragraph, “As first step,” is missing an article, and “the cycle continues” is joined to the preceding clause without suitable punctuation or a conjunction. There are also inconsistent capital letters within sentences. Check agreement, articles and sentence boundaries during revision, and vary sentence structures while keeping each stage’s subject clear.

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