Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-27
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 5.0)
In this essay, I will address how we can switch to natural resources for our clothes to evade waste and landfills. For example, bamboo can be used as an alternative to polyester. Bamboo plants are planted in the spring, because of its rapid growth, it can be harvested in the same year around autumn.
After harvesting, it is cut into strips and then crushed to make liquid pulp, and then long fibres are separated from the liquid so its fibres can easily be softened with water and amine oxide. The tools used for making the usual yarn can be used for its fibres after it's been softened. With the bamboo fibre yarn we can weave fabric which can be used for any type of garments. With this alternative, we can reverse fast fashion pollution on the Earth, as bamboo, when discarded will decompose. This technique will prove to be sustainable and worthy of future fashion industry.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report. Instead of objectively describing the process shown in the diagram, the student provides an argumentative essay about the environmental benefits of bamboo. The task requires a summary of the manufacturing stages (harvesting, crushing, pulping, fiber separation, softening, and weaving). By focusing on personal opinions regarding 'fast fashion' and 'landfills,' the student has ignored the core instruction to report on the visual information provided. Consequently, the main features of the process are not clearly highlighted or compared, leading to a significant failure to address the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organized into two paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak because the content is not a report. While there are some cohesive devices used, such as 'For example' and 'After harvesting,' the overall structure is disjointed because the text shifts from an introduction about environmental issues to a description of the process, then back to environmental commentary. Paragraphing is present but does not effectively separate the stages of the process, which would be the standard approach for this task. The flow of ideas is hindered by the lack of focus on the diagram itself.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for conveying basic meaning, but it lacks the technical precision required for a process description. Phrases like 'crushed to make liquid pulp' and 'long fibres are separated' are functional, but the student relies on general language rather than specific terminology related to industrial manufacturing. There is some repetition of 'bamboo' and 'fibres.' While the language is sufficient to communicate the writer's intent, it does not demonstrate the range or flexibility needed for a higher score, particularly as the vocabulary is not tailored to the specific requirements of describing a technical diagram.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'because of its rapid growth, it can be harvested' (a comma splice/dangling modifier issue) and 'the usual yarn can be used for its fibres after it's been softened.' Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence construction is occasionally awkward. While the errors do not significantly impede communication, the range of structures is limited, and the control over complex sentences is inconsistent. The writing is clear enough to be understood, but it lacks the grammatical sophistication expected at higher levels.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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