Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-24
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 figure illustrates the information about the manufacturing of bamboo fabric through raw bamboo based on the given procedures.
Overall, the process consists of eight main stages. This process takes place from spring season to autumn. The first phase starts in planting the bamboo plants and ends with weaving to make fabric.
The first stage starts with planting bamboo in spring season which gets ready for harvesting in the autumn. After harvesting, bamboos are cut into strips. In the next phase, strips are crushed to make liquid pulp which is filtered to make separate long fibres from liquid.
After that, fibres are softened through the solution of water and amine oxide. In the next process, the fibres are spun to make yarn in order to weave fabric. As a final process, the fabric which is obtained in previous stage is transformed into clothes.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The student successfully identifies the main features of the diagram detailing the manufacturing process of bamboo fabric. All nine key stages are mentioned, from planting in spring through to weaving and producing clothes. However, there is a minor contradiction in the overview where the writer states the process consists of 'eight main stages' when there are actually nine steps shown in the diagram. Furthermore, the response falls slightly short of the 150-word minimum length requirement (containing 143 words), which places a cap on the task achievement score according to official guidelines. Despite this length penalty, the selection of data and general overview are clear and accurate.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The response demonstrates a logical overall organisation, following the sequential flow of the diagram from left to right and top to bottom. The writer uses standard cohesive devices and sequence markers appropriately, such as 'Overall', 'The first stage starts with', 'After harvesting', and 'In the next phase'. Paragraphing is handled reasonably well, separating the introduction/overview from the body paragraphs detailing the process steps. However, referencing is occasionally repetitive, and the mechanical transition between sentences prevents the essay from achieving higher band levels. Overall, the progression of ideas is easy to follow.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a manufacturing process, including terms such as 'manufacturing', 'harvesting', 'crushed', 'liquid pulp', 'filtered', and 'softened'. There are some successful attempts to use less common vocabulary, though word choice is sometimes awkward, such as 'the process consists of eight main stages' followed immediately by a mismatch in the listed steps. Minor lexical inaccuracies occur, such as 'starts in planting' instead of 'starts with planting'. Nevertheless, the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main ideas clearly without impeding the reader's understanding.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating relative clauses and passive constructions like 'fibres are softened through the solution' and 'the fabric which is obtained'. Control of grammar and punctuation is generally sound, though a few minor errors persist, such as omitting necessary articles ('in spring season' instead of 'in the spring season' or 'in spring'). Complex structures are attempted with varying degrees of success, and grammatical errors are infrequent enough that they do not impede overall communication. The punctuation is standard and helpful throughout the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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