Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-12

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 diagram depicts how fabric is produced from bamboo. It is quite evident that the bamboo fabric is made in eight steps.

It can be seen from the diagram that firstly, plant the bamboo plants in the Spring season. Second step is to harvest the plants in the Autumn season. Then cut the bamboo into the strips and crush the strips to make a liquid pulp from it. The following step is that to filter the liquid pulp to separate a long fiber from the liquid and to soften fibers add some water and a amine oxide in it. Spin the fibers to make a yarn and then weave the yarn to make fabric. In the final stage this weaved fabric is transported to factories to produce different types of clothes from it and also h

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main stages of the bamboo manufacturing process, the description is incomplete as the text cuts off abruptly at the end. To improve, you must ensure all steps are fully described and the response reaches the required length. The overview is present but lacks detail, and the process is described in a list-like manner rather than as a cohesive report. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide a more comprehensive summary of the entire process from start to finish.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized chronologically, which is appropriate for a process diagram. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Second step is', 'The following step is'). The paragraphing is insufficient; the response consists of only two short paragraphs, one of which is a single sentence. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and phrases such as 'subsequently', 'following this', or 'once the process is complete' to improve the flow between sentences. Additionally, ensure that your ideas are grouped logically into distinct paragraphs to enhance the overall structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic. You use simple verbs like 'plant', 'cut', 'crush', and 'spin', which are accurate but lack the precision expected at higher levels. There are also some awkward phrasings, such as 'make a liquid pulp from it' and 'add some water and a amine oxide in it'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to manufacturing processes, such as 'extracting', 'processing', 'chemical treatment', or 'transformation'. Expanding your range of collocations will help you convey information more naturally and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. For example, 'firstly, plant the bamboo plants' is an imperative rather than a descriptive statement. You also have issues with articles ('a amine oxide') and sentence construction ('the following step is that to filter'). There are also punctuation and spelling errors, such as 'weaved' (the past participle of weave is 'woven'). To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Practice writing more complex sentences using relative clauses or passive voice, which is particularly useful for describing industrial processes.

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

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