Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-14

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)

In this essay we are going to read about the process of converting fabric from a bamboo. The method is divided into 9 simple and easy to understand steps.

In the season of Spring bamboos are planted and then farmers wait till autumn to harvest the crops.

Once the crops are harvested, we then move to the next step that is cutting bamboo into strips using a metal blade. The strips are then crushed in order to obtain a liquid pulp. The pulp is then passed through the filter that separates the long fibres from the liquid. In liquid chemicals like Water and Amine oxide are added to make the fibres soft. The fibres are then converted to yarn by spinning them.

Lastly the yarn is made to a fabric by weaving it. The fabric is then used to make clothes and garments.

So this is the whole process of making clothes from a bamboo stick.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the bamboo fabric manufacturing process, from planting to the final product. However, the report lacks a clear overview or summary of the process, which is essential for Task 1. The tone is slightly informal ('In this essay we are going to read about...'), which is not appropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. While the sequence of steps is described, the response fails to highlight key comparisons or significant features of the process, such as the transition from raw material to chemical processing. To improve, focus on providing a concise summary of the overall process in the introduction and use more objective, analytical language.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into short paragraphs, which helps readability. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'The strips are then...', 'The pulp is then...', and 'The fibres are then...' create a repetitive structure that lacks flow. The transition between the planting stage and the processing stage is abrupt. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'once the initial phase is complete') to connect the steps more fluidly and improve the logical progression of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. You rely heavily on simple verbs like 'make', 'get', and 'use'. While technical terms like 'pulp', 'fibres', and 'yarn' are used correctly, the overall range is limited. There is a lack of precise collocations or more sophisticated vocabulary that would demonstrate a higher level of control. For example, instead of saying 'make the fibres soft', you could use 'soften the fibres' or 'enhance the texture'. Expanding your range of verbs and nouns related to industrial processes would significantly improve your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'converting fabric from a bamboo' (should be 'converting bamboo into fabric') and 'made to a fabric' (should be 'made into fabric'). Additionally, the use of articles is inconsistent, such as 'in a bamboo stick'. While these errors do not generally impede communication, they indicate a lack of control over more complex grammatical forms. To improve, focus on accurate preposition use and sentence variety, ensuring that your complex sentences are constructed without errors.

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

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