Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-01

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 the step-by-step process of making fabric which is consists of several distinct stages of spanning from cultivation to the creation of final products.

Overall, the entire process involves multiple stages, from bamboo cultivation and harvesting fibre processing, spinning, weaving, transforming raw bamboo into practical, and comfortable textile materials.

Firstly, the process started in spring with planting bamboo plants, allowing them sufficient time to grow before harvest. In autumn, bamboo is cut into strips to facilitates further steps. After that, the strips are crushed mechanically to make liquid pulp. Next, the liquid pulp is filtered to separate long fibres. Following that, fibres are softened by adding water and amine oxide.

Consequently, when fibres reach the process of softer version, spinning to make yarn. Finally, spin are weaved to make fabric which can ultimately be made into a variety of bamboo-fabric products like shirt, t-shirt, socks, and other items.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all stages of the bamboo manufacturing process, from cultivation to the final product. The overview effectively captures the essence of the process. However, the description of the stages is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, logical flow in the latter half. For instance, the transition between 'softened' fibres and 'spinning' is grammatically disjointed and lacks clarity. While the main features are identified, the explanation of the chemical and mechanical processes could be more precise to better reflect the information provided in the diagram. Overall, the response addresses the prompt adequately but lacks the depth of analysis required for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In autumn', 'After that', and 'Finally' are used to sequence the steps. However, the connection between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and there are instances where the flow is interrupted by grammatical errors, such as in the sentence 'Consequently, when fibres reach the process of softer version, spinning to make yarn.' This makes the progression feel slightly disjointed. Improved use of referencing and more sophisticated linking phrases would enhance the overall coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'cultivation', 'mechanically', 'liquid pulp', and 'textile materials' being used correctly. However, there are some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'process of softer version' and 'spin are weaved'. These errors indicate a limited range of vocabulary for describing technical processes. To reach a higher band, the student should focus on using more precise terminology and ensuring that word forms (e.g., 'spin' vs 'spun') are used accurately in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'which is consists of', 'to facilitates', and 'spin are weaved'. These errors in subject-verb agreement and verb forms are noticeable. While the meaning remains generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. A more careful review of basic grammatical rules, particularly regarding verb tenses and passive voice constructions, would significantly improve the quality of the writing.

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

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