Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-29

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 illustrates an end to end process of fabric manufacturing from bamboo.

Overall, the manufacturing process go through nine stages which starts from planting and harvesting of bamboo plants and ends on spinning and weaving to make the fabric.

In the first stage, it involves the planting of bamboo plants in the spring season. Then in autumn, in involves the harvesting of those bamboo plants in the second stage. In the next stage, the harvested bamboo plants used to crush into strips, and in the fourth stage those strips are crushed to make liquid pulp.

In filtering stage, it involves the separation of long fibres from the liquid that was obtained from the previous stage. In the sixth stage, water and amine oxide are being used to soften fibres. In the next stage, those fibres are spin to make yam. Then in next stage weave it to make the fabric, and in the final stage the fabric is ready to wear.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all stages of the process, from planting to the final fabric. However, the description is somewhat mechanical, listing stages rather than synthesising the information effectively. While the main features are identified, the response lacks a clear overview of the transformation process (e.g., the chemical vs. mechanical stages). The inclusion of 'nine stages' is a good attempt at an overview, but the analysis remains superficial. To improve, focus on grouping related steps, such as the initial harvesting phase and the subsequent chemical processing phase, to provide a more analytical summary of the manufacturing cycle.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised logically, following the chronological order of the diagram. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction/overview from the body steps. However, the use of cohesive devices is repetitive and somewhat mechanical, with almost every sentence starting with 'In the...' or 'Then in...'. This creates a predictable and slightly monotonous flow. To reach a higher band, you should vary your transition signals and use more sophisticated referencing (e.g., 'Following this', 'Once the pulp is prepared', or 'This resulting mixture').

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using process-specific terms like 'harvesting', 'liquid pulp', 'fibres', and 'spinning'. However, there are some inaccuracies and awkward phrasings, such as 'end to end process' (should be hyphenated) and 'spin to make yam' (a typo for 'yarn'). The range is somewhat limited, relying on basic verbs like 'used to crush' or 'is being used'. Expanding your vocabulary to include more precise process-related verbs and nouns would enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. For example, 'the manufacturing process go through' (subject-verb agreement error), 'involves the planting' (unnecessary 'it involves'), and 'those strips are crushed' (passive voice is used correctly, but the sentence structure is repetitive). There are also minor punctuation and article errors throughout. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and reducing redundant phrases to improve accuracy.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.