Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-04

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how fabric is manufactured from bamboo.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The given diagram illustrated how the fabric is manufactured from bamboo.

Overall, it consists of nine linear steps in its process of making the fabric where bamboo plant is the main element.

We start with planting the bamboo plants during spring season. By the time autumn arrives, the planted bamboo plants are ready to harvest. These plants are cut into strips with the help of a machine.

The next steps is to crush those strips to make liquid pulp from the plant. Once the pulp is obtained, we filter the pulp to separate long fibers from the liquid. After this stage is complete, we soften the fibers by adding water and amine oxide.

At this point, we spin the fibers to make yarn balls. Once the yarn is made, we use it to weave the yarn to make fabric.

Once the final stage of making the fabric is completed we make the fabric into various different kinds of clothes, such as t-shirts socks etc.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the bamboo manufacturing process. You have covered all steps from planting to the final product. However, the report lacks a clear overview of the process as a whole, which is essential for a higher band score. While you mention it consists of nine steps, you could improve by highlighting the transformation from a raw plant to a chemical-based fiber. The description is accurate, but the report would benefit from more analytical language, such as grouping the stages into 'preparation', 'chemical processing', and 'finishing' to better demonstrate the ability to select and report main features.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized, following the chronological order of the diagram. You use basic cohesive devices like 'The next steps', 'Once', and 'At this point' to guide the reader. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire response is written as one block of text. To improve, you should divide the report into at least two paragraphs—perhaps one for the raw material preparation and another for the chemical and manufacturing stages. Additionally, the referencing is sometimes repetitive, and the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the stages more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'harvest', 'crush', 'liquid pulp', and 'amine oxide'. However, the vocabulary is somewhat limited and occasionally repetitive (e.g., 'make' is used multiple times). To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to industrial processes, such as 'extracting', 'converting', 'synthesizing', or 'raw material'. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary used is appropriate for the task, but it lacks the sophistication required for a band 7 or higher.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'The next steps is' (subject-verb agreement) and 'the fabric is manufactured' (the diagram illustrates, but the passive voice is used correctly in the description). You also use 'we' throughout the report, which is slightly informal for an academic task; it is better to use the passive voice (e.g., 'the bamboo is harvested') to maintain an objective tone. While your sentences are generally clear, increasing the variety of complex structures would improve your score.

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

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