Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-11-04
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)
this diagram illustrate the key steps of making the biofuel which can also called ethanol.
the diagram is showing that plants and tree are the main source of ethanol and after some processing steps its converted into ethanol and the other main source of making ethanol is carbon dioxide.
plants and tree absorb sunlight and carbon dioxide from the air and then the farmers harvest the field .the next step is pre processing , this step coverts the given material into cellulose ,that material then send to the science lab for processing.
In addition to the science lab complete processing and then convert into sugars cells .Sugars produces microbes which is then converted into ethanol .In todays world, ethanol is one of the most using fuel of peoples. Ethanol used in cars ,trucks and also in air planes and many more items .these machines covert the biofuel again into carbon dioxide and make biofuel a recycling process. Carbon dioxide and plants are called the main source of biofuel.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
You identify the main stages, from plant growth and harvesting through processing to ethanol, and you mention its use in transport and the return of carbon dioxide to the plants. This gives the response a relevant account of the cycle. However, some details are unclear or inaccurate: the diagram shows microbes being added to sugars, not sugars producing microbes, and it does not show a “science lab.” The overview also says carbon dioxide is a “main source” of ethanol without clearly explaining the cycle’s key feature: carbon dioxide released when ethanol is used returns to support plant growth. Covering the stages accurately and distinguishing the inputs, outputs and recycling link would make the summary more complete.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response follows a broadly sensible order, moving from plant growth to fuel use and then carbon dioxide recycling. Phrases such as “the next step” and “In addition” help signal progression. However, the ideas are presented in one continuous block, and some links between stages are difficult to follow—for example, “that material then send to the science lab for processing” and “Sugars produces microbes.” The final sentences repeat the claim that carbon dioxide and plants are the main sources rather than providing a clear concluding overview. Use separate paragraphs for the overview and process details, and connect each stage with precise references to what is transformed or added.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
You use relevant process vocabulary, including “harvest,” “pre-processing,” “cellulose,” “processing,” “sugars,” and “carbon dioxide,” which helps communicate the subject. However, several word choices and collocations are imprecise or repetitive, such as “main source of making ethanol,” “science lab,” and “one of the most using fuel.” Some terms also misrepresent the diagram: microbes are added to sugars rather than produced by them. Aim for accurate process verbs and more formal phrasing, such as “is converted into,” “is sent for processing,” and “is used as a fuel.” This would improve precision while retaining the relevant technical vocabulary you already use.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
You attempt both simple sentences and longer sequences joined with “and,” “which,” and “then,” so there is some variety. However, errors in agreement, verb forms, articles and sentence boundaries are frequent enough to make parts of the process unclear. Examples include “this diagram illustrate,” “plants and tree are,” “that material then send,” and “Sugars produces.” The opening also needs a relative construction (“which is also called ethanol”), while several sentences run together without appropriate capitalisation or punctuation. Practise forming accurate passive sentences for process descriptions—for example, “The material is converted into cellulose”—and check subject–verb agreement and full stops when editing.
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