Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-04

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 process of making clothing items from bamboo plants after their cultivation and go through from some stages.

Overall, this is a linear process, starting from the cultivation of bamboo in spring and allowed them to grow until autumn, and then after harvested bamboo plants it then go through under some process, and finally used for the manufacturing of socks and T-shirt.

Initially, the process started from the cultivation of bamboo plant in spring, and harvested in autumn, and then the harvested bamboo are cut into long strips, then crushed to make liquid pulp and passed through the filter to separate long fibres from liquid.

Water and amine oxide is added to soften the fibres, after softened, the fibres is used to make spun to make yarn, then weave to make fabric, and finally used to make clothing items such as socks and T-shirts.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main stages of the bamboo manufacturing process, from cultivation to the final product. However, the response falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement, which negatively impacts the score. While the key features are identified, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. The overview is present but could be more effectively integrated to highlight the transformation process more clearly. To improve, ensure all stages are described with sufficient detail to meet the word count and provide a more comprehensive summary of the process flow.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive, with an over-reliance on 'and' and 'then' to link ideas. For example, the third paragraph uses 'and' multiple times in a single sentence, which disrupts the flow. The progression of ideas is logical, but the transitions between stages could be smoother and more varied. Improving the range of linking words and phrases would help create a more professional and sophisticated structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. Terms like 'making', 'go through', and 'used to make' are repeated frequently, which limits the lexical range. There are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'passed through the filter to separate long fibres from liquid' and 'used to make spun to make yarn'. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to manufacturing processes, such as 'extraction', 'processing', 'spinning', and 'weaving', while avoiding repetitive phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'illustrates process of making' (missing article), 'after harvested bamboo plants it then go through' (subject-verb agreement and awkward phrasing), and 'the fibres is used' (subject-verb agreement). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma splices. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles.

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

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