Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-21

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 5.5)

The process diagram illustrates the production of biofuel called ethanol. Overall, this process consists of several steps from sunlight, processing and manufacturing of ethanol. First of all, this process starts from basic and natural step, from plants and trees. Plants and trees grows in the presence of sunlight and carbon dioxide. After that, we have to harvest them. Moreover, they go through pre-processing. Then, they becomes cellulose. Furthermore, their processing starts. After a complete process, it extracts the sugars. Finally, ethanol is formed by adding microbes in it. After the production of ethanol, we can use it as biofuel. There are several uses of ethanol as it is used in cars, trucks and planes as a biofuel. In this way, it plays vital role in transportation. Due to tranportion, we can cover a distance of days in hours. After combustion of ethanol, vehicles releases carbon dioxide and process again starts.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the subject and give a basic overview, then describe the main sequence from plant growth through harvesting, pre-processing, cellulose, processing, sugars and ethanol. You also mention the transport uses and the return of carbon dioxide, so the response covers much of the cycle. However, the overview is vague: “several steps from sunlight, processing and manufacturing” does not clearly summarise the cycle’s key feature, namely that carbon dioxide from transport returns to support plant growth. Some details are unclear or inaccurate, such as saying ethanol is formed “by adding microbes in it”; the diagram shows microbes are added after sugars. The comment about covering distance in hours is not shown and is irrelevant. A clearer overview and more precise stage descriptions would strengthen the report.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response follows the broad production sequence, and signposts such as “First of all,” “After that,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the stages. The final reference to carbon dioxide also brings the process back to its starting point. However, the ideas are presented as one continuous block rather than clearly organised paragraphs, and the progression becomes less focused when the discussion shifts to “cover a distance of days in hours.” Several transitions are mechanical or repetitive, including “Moreover,” “Furthermore,” and “After a complete process.” Some references, such as “they” and “it,” are not always clear. Grouping the stages into paragraphs and using more precise links between inputs, outputs and the cycle would improve cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “harvest,” “pre-processing,” “cellulose,” “sugars,” “ethanol,” and “carbon dioxide,” which allows you to communicate the main stages. There is also some variety in the sequencing language. However, the range is limited and several expressions are awkward or imprecise for a process description: “basic and natural step,” “their processing starts,” and “After a complete process, it extracts the sugars.” “Tranportion” is misspelled, and “plays vital role” is missing a natural article in the phrase. The informal explanation about covering distance in hours also does not suit an objective report. Aim for accurate process collocations, such as describing materials being converted or processed, and avoid adding unsupported commentary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and linked sentences, and the overall meaning is generally understandable. However, grammatical control is inconsistent, particularly with subject–verb agreement and sentence construction. For example, “Plants and trees grows” should use a plural verb, while “they becomes cellulose” also has incorrect agreement. In “vehicles releases carbon dioxide,” the plural subject again requires a plural verb. The sentence “Finally, ethanol is formed by adding microbes in it” has an unclear structure and pronoun reference. There are also missing articles in phrases such as “plays vital role.” Most sentences rely on straightforward patterns, and attempts to combine stages sometimes produce faulty wording. Check agreement, articles and pronoun references, and practise accurate passive forms for describing processes.

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