Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-21

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 graphic portrays the way fabric is produced from bamboo.

Overall, the process is linear and comprises nine distinct stages. The bamboo plants serve as the raw materials, which initiate the process. The final stage involves production of clothes from woven yarn.

The process begins with the plantation of bamboo plants in winter. These are then harvested in the season of autumn. The harvest is passed into cutters that returns the bamboo in strips. Subsequently, the strips are crushed to generate pulp in liquidous form. A filter then extracts the long fibres from the pulp.

Afterwards, for the purpose of softening the fibres, water and amine oxide are added to them. These are then spinned to form yarns or threads. By weaving the yarns, fabric is prepared, which is then utilized to manufacture various clothing supplies.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main stages of the bamboo manufacturing process, but it fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words. Because the response is under-length (136 words), it is penalised under Task Achievement. While the overview is clear and the sequence is logical, the lack of length prevents a full development of the description. To improve, you should expand on the details of the chemical or mechanical processes mentioned in the diagram, such as describing the specific transformation of the pulp or the nature of the spinning process, to ensure you comfortably exceed the minimum word count.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Subsequently', 'Afterwards', and 'These are then' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of production. The progression of ideas is clear, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow. To reach a higher band, ensure that your transitions between sentences feel even more natural and varied.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'raw materials', 'harvested', and 'liquidous form'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'liquidous form' (which is non-standard; 'liquid state' or 'pulp' is better) and 'spinned' (the past participle of 'spin' is 'spun'). While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more precise control over word forms and collocations. Expanding your range of process-related verbs and nouns would help improve your score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'cutters that returns' (subject-verb agreement error: 'cutters that return') and 'spinned' (incorrect verb form). Despite these errors, the meaning remains clear throughout the text. The punctuation is generally accurate, and the sentence structure is functional. To achieve a higher band, focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and mastering irregular verb forms. Incorporating a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'the pulp is filtered'), would also be beneficial for a process description.

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