Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-11

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 process diagram illustrates how fabric is manufactured from bamboo.

Overall, the diagram consists of nine stages, beginning with the planting of bamboo plants and ending with the production of clothes.

Initially, the bamboo plants are planted. After that, the bamboo plants are harvested by a harvester. Subsequently, the harvested bamboo is transported to the cutting machine to be cut into strips. After that, the bamboo strips are crushed to make a liquid pulp. Moreover, it is filtered to separate long fibres from liquid and water and amine oxide are added to produce a soft fibre.

Furthermore, the soft fibres are spun to make yarn. After that, the yarn is woven to produce soft fabric. Ultimately, the fabric is used to produce several garments, such as shirts, socks and dresses.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main stages of the bamboo manufacturing process, from planting to the final product. However, the response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which negatively impacts the overall task achievement. While the key features are identified, the description lacks the necessary detail and depth required for a high band score. To improve, you should expand on the chemical or mechanical processes mentioned in the diagram, such as explaining the role of the amine oxide or the specific nature of the spinning and weaving stages, to ensure the response is sufficiently developed and meets the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, following the chronological order of the process. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After that', 'Subsequently', and 'Furthermore' to link the stages. This creates a clear progression of information. However, the paragraphing is somewhat basic, and the overall structure could be improved by grouping the stages into logical phases (e.g., raw material preparation, chemical processing, and final production) rather than listing them sequentially. The use of cohesive devices is generally effective, though occasionally repetitive.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with accurate terminology such as 'liquid pulp', 'amine oxide', and 'soft fibre'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on simple verbs like 'make' and 'produce'. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to manufacturing processes, such as 'extracting', 'converting', 'synthesizing', or 'transforming'. The current vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and variety expected at higher levels.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The grammar is generally accurate, and the sentences are easy to follow. You have used passive voice appropriately for a process description, such as 'bamboo plants are harvested' and 'yarn is woven'. However, the sentence structures are somewhat repetitive, consisting mostly of simple or compound sentences. To improve, try to incorporate more complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or participial phrases (e.g., 'Once harvested, the bamboo is transported...'). There are no major errors that impede communication, but the lack of grammatical variety limits the score.

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

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