Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-18
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 how bamboo fabric is made from scratch. The process is done in total of nine steps, here the essay will explain the process in detail.
The first step is the plantation of the bamboo plants which is done in spring season. After that, the trees are harvested in autumn season. Then, the trees are cut into strips, after that, the strips are crushed to make a liquid pulp.
After crushing, the pulp is filtered from which the long fibres separate from liquid. Then, the fibres are softened by adding water and amine oxide .The fibres are then spinned to make yarn and at the end the yarn is weaved to make the fabric.
In the last, there is a picture of cloth and a pair of socks made of bamboo plants in order to show the end of the whole process and embarks the last step.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response successfully covers all main steps of the process, from planting and harvesting bamboo through to the final fabrication of clothing items. The overall trend and sequence are clearly communicated, noting the cyclical or sequential nature of the nine stages. However, the explanation is somewhat basic and relies heavily on mechanical listing without fully synthesizing the information. For instance, stating 'the essay will explain the process in detail' is unnecessary and detracts slightly from academic tone. While all parts are addressed, the development is somewhat limited compared to a Band 7 response, landing it comfortably at a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The text has a coherent overall arrangement, with the steps presented in chronological order corresponding to the diagram. Paragraphing is used, though the division could be optimized (e.g., grouping the chemical processing and spinning steps better). Cohesive devices are employed, such as 'After that', 'Then', and 'In the last', but some transitions feel mechanical or repetitive. Referencing is generally clear, but expressions like 'In the last, there is a picture' are somewhat colloquial and detract from the formal flow expected in an Academic Task 1 response. Overall, the organization is clear enough to follow easily, supporting a Band 6.0 score.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating process-specific terms such as 'plantation', 'harvested', 'liquid pulp', 'filtered', 'softened', 'spin', and 'weaved'. However, there are notable word-form and spelling inaccuracies, such as 'spinned' (instead of 'spun') and 'weaved' (instead of 'woven'). The phrasing is occasionally overly simplistic or informal ('from scratch', 'picture of cloth'). The lexical range is sufficient to communicate the main points, but these recurring errors in word choice and morphology limit the score to a Band 5.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing passive voice constructions ('is done', 'are harvested', 'are crushed') which are appropriate for a process description. There are, however, several grammatical errors and punctuation issues, such as a comma splice ('oxide .The fibres') and missing articles or prepositions. The use of 'spinned' also crosses over into morphological grammar inaccuracy. While these errors do not severely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent the writing from achieving a higher band. The control over grammar is characteristic of a Band 6.0 performance.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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