Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-23

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 gives illustration of how bamboo sticks are used in the making of fabrics, which are used in producing the various clothings we have today.

roduction of fibre begins withthe planting of bamboo trees in the spring and later harvested duringthe autumn. Afterwards, they are collected and cut into strips which are then crushed to form a liquid substance called pulp.

The pulp is allowed to settle and then filtered, separating the long fibres from the liquid. Water and amine oxide is usually added to the fibres to soften them in readiness for the production of fabrics.

The collected and softened fabrics are then spinned to make rounded yams. The yams of fibres are weaved to foms different fabics. The fabrics are made into different shapes and sizes to form the various clothes we wear.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main stages of the bamboo fabric manufacturing process, from planting to the final product. However, it fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the development of the response. While the key features are identified, the description lacks the necessary detail and depth expected for a Band 6 or higher. The summary is brief, and the lack of length prevents a more thorough explanation of the chemical and mechanical processes shown in the diagram. To improve, you must expand on the descriptions of each stage to ensure the response is sufficiently developed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised logically, following the chronological order of the manufacturing process. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Afterwards', 'then', and 'The pulp is allowed to', which help the reader follow the sequence. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire body of the text is essentially one block, which hinders the visual structure of the report. To improve, ensure you use clear paragraph breaks to separate the introduction, the main process stages, and the conclusion. Additionally, ensure that referencing is consistent throughout the text to improve flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'pulp', 'filtered', and 'amine oxide' demonstrating an attempt to use topic-specific language. However, there are several errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'clothings' (clothing is uncountable), 'spinned' (spun), 'yams' (yarns), and 'foms' (form). These errors occasionally distract the reader. To reach a higher band, you should focus on using more precise terminology related to industrial processes and ensure that your spelling and word forms are accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'The diagram gives illustration of' (missing an article), 'begins withthe' (spacing error), and 'The yams of fibres are weaved' (passive voice error: 'woven'). Punctuation is also inconsistent in places. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and proofreading for common errors like subject-verb agreement and article usage. Increasing the variety of complex structures while maintaining accuracy will help you achieve a higher score.

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

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