Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-11-01

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 given process chart illustrates how a biofuel called ethanol is developed from energy such as sunlight, carbon dioxide and growing plants.

Overall, it is evident that, the whole process consists of seven stages. It begins with Plant and trees, which are grown in the field, and ends with ethanol that is used for several vehicles.

At the outset, plants and trees are grown in the land, after that, a land is being harvested by the tractor with help of man. Secondly, pre-processing are begin conducted in the machine then it makes small pieces of cellulose. Next, main process is taken place, after finishing this process, it makes sugars.

Following this, in second last step microbes are added in that particular point. Finally, Ethanol is ready for several vehicles which are used it, such as Plan, car and commercial truck. All are produced carbon dioxide, which are again observed by the trees.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the process as a cycle and describe its broad movement from plant growth through processing to ethanol use and carbon dioxide returning to the trees. This covers the main stages, but some details are incomplete or inaccurate: the overview says there are seven stages, although the diagram shows more, and the account does not clearly explain that sunlight and carbon dioxide support plant growth. The final section also omits the aeroplane, and “Plan” appears to mean “plane.” Some stages, such as the conversion of cellulose into sugars and the addition of microbes, are mentioned but not explained clearly. To strengthen the response, give a more accurate overview and report each key stage and the cycle’s return of carbon dioxide precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview are followed by two paragraphs describing the process in sequence. Linking expressions such as “At the outset,” “Next,” “Following this,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the general order. However, some connections are mechanical or unclear. For example, “Secondly, pre-processing are begin conducted in the machine then it makes small pieces of cellulose” combines several steps without clearly showing what happens at each one. The overview also says the process ends with ethanol, while the final paragraph continues to transport use and carbon dioxide returning to plants. Grouping the stages more clearly and using precise references between them would make the progression smoother.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “pre-processing,” “cellulose,” “microbes,” “ethanol,” and “carbon dioxide,” which helps communicate the subject. There is also some attempt to vary wording with phrases such as “At the outset” and “Following this.” However, several choices are inaccurate or unnatural for describing a diagram: “process chart” is less suitable than “process diagram,” “developed from energy” is imprecise, and “a land is being harvested” confuses the land with the plants. “Plan” is also an incorrect word for the vehicle shown. Aim for precise process collocations and use the diagram’s labels where possible, such as “plants are harvested” and “ethanol is used as fuel.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including a relative clause in “which are grown in the field” and a sequence joined with “after that.” However, errors in verb forms, agreement, articles, and sentence construction are noticeable and sometimes make the process difficult to follow. Examples include “pre-processing are begin conducted,” “it makes sugars,” and “All are produced carbon dioxide.” The opening overview also has an unnecessary comma in “it is evident that, the whole process.” Practise forming clear passive sentences for process descriptions, such as “The plants are harvested” and “Microbes are added before ethanol is produced,” and check subject–verb agreement and article use.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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