Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-16

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 process of manufacturing fabric from bamboo.

Overall, the process consists of nine different steps, beginning with harvesting bamboo and ending with the manufacturing of clothes.

Firstly, bamboo plants are planted in the fields in the spring season after that harvested in the autumn season. Next, bamboo is cut into strips and these strips are used to produce liquid pulp. Subsequently, the crushed strips filter through filteration procedure separating fibres from the liquid.

After that, soften fibres are separated, and water and amino oxide were added to soften the fibres and spin these fibres into spinning wheel to make yarn. The next step involves converting yarn into a weave to make fabric.

Finally, the fiber is used to manufacture clothes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The student has attempted to summarise the main stages of the process, noting that it begins with planting and ends with clothing manufacture. However, the response falls significantly short of the required 150-word minimum, containing only 123 words. This negative constraint violation restricts the level of detail and development possible. While several steps are mentioned, some details are slightly inaccurate or confused, such as stating that 'soften fibres are separated, and water and amino oxide were added to soften the fibres' which misinterprets the sequential flow of filtering and softening shown in the diagram. To achieve a higher band, the writer must ensure all steps are accurately reported and meet the word count requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into paragraphs, attempting an overall structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Next', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally' are used to signal the sequence of stages. However, paragraphing is somewhat fragmented, with several very short paragraphs that disrupt the flow. Furthermore, referencing and logical transitions between some steps are clumsy, such as the abrupt shift in the third paragraph. Overall, the organization shows basic coherence, but cohesion is mechanical and the structural progression could be smoother and more unified.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary for the task, attempting to use process-related terms such as 'manufacturing', 'harvesting', 'liquid pulp', and 'fibre'. However, there are notable lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'filteration procedure' (spelling error in filtration), 'soften fibres' instead of softened fibres, and 'convert yarn into a weave'. Repetition of basic verbs also limits the lexical range. While meaning is generally conveyed, the inaccuracies prevent the response from achieving a higher band in this category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, using passive voice in places such as 'bamboo plants are planted' and 'bamboo is cut'. However, grammatical control is inconsistent. There are several noticeable errors, including tense and voice shifts ('after that harvested', 'water and amino oxide were added'), incorrect verb forms ('the crushed strips filter through'), and punctuation issues. These errors require some effort from the reader to untangle, placing this response firmly in the Band 5.0 range for grammatical accuracy.

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

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