Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 diagram illustrates how a biofuel named Ethanol is made.

Overall, the process consists of 10 steps starting with energy creation for plants, and trees. While ending at the utlization of ethanol as a biofuel which is used in vehicles that emits carbon dioxide to keep the cycle running.

Initially, energy is created with sunlight and carbon dioxide which is essential for the growth of plants and trees. Later on, they are harvested and converted into cellulose once passed through the pre-processing stage. Furthermore, a chemical reactions takes place and sugars are then made. Microbes are added to the sugars which is then converted into a fuel substance called Ethanol.

Ethanol is used as a fuel in vehicles such as cars, trucks, and aeroplanes. Vehicles releases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which is then mixed with sunlight to create more energy and this is how the cycle of Ethanol production continues.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You cover the main stages and provide a clear overview of the cycle, from plant growth through ethanol production to carbon dioxide returning to support further growth. The sequence of harvesting, pre-processing, cellulose, processing, sugars and microbes is broadly represented, and you correctly identify cars, trucks and aeroplanes as users of the fuel. Some details are less fully or precisely reported: the diagram shows sunlight and carbon dioxide as energy inputs, rather than energy being “created,” and it does not show carbon dioxide being mixed with sunlight. The processing stage is also described as a “chemical reaction,” which is not specified in the visual. More exact reporting of the labelled inputs and outputs would strengthen an otherwise relevant summary.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction, a cycle overview and a chronological account of the stages. Sequencing expressions such as “Initially,” “Later on” and “Furthermore” help the reader follow the process, and the final sentence returns to the cycle. The progression is generally coherent, though some links are mechanical and a few references are unclear. For example, “they are harvested” refers back to plants and trees, but “which is then converted” could refer to either the sugars or the microbes. The overview sentence also combines several ideas in a long, slightly awkward construction. Use more precise references and connect each stage directly to the next to make the flow smoother.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a suitable range of process vocabulary, including “harvested,” “pre-processing,” “cellulose,” “microbes” and “converted,” which helps explain the stages. The wording is generally understandable, but some choices are imprecise or unnatural for describing this diagram. “Energy creation” does not accurately express the labelled energy input, while “fuel substance” and “mixed with sunlight” are not precise descriptions of the process. There are also spelling and word-form slips, including “utlization.” Aim for accurate technical collocations and avoid adding terminology that the diagram does not support. More precise verbs for the inputs, outputs and conversion stages would improve clarity and control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, including clauses introduced by “which” and “while,” and the overall meaning remains clear. However, some errors in agreement, verb forms and sentence construction reduce accuracy. For example, “a chemical reactions takes place” has a singular article with a plural noun, and “Vehicles releases” should use a plural verb. In “vehicles that emits carbon dioxide,” the verb does not agree with its plural subject. The opening overview also uses “While ending” as an incomplete dependent clause, and “which is then converted” has an unclear grammatical reference. Check subject–verb agreement and make sure each clause has a complete structure and an unmistakable subject.

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