Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-16

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 by which fabric is produced from bamboo.Overall,The process consistes of six main stages ,beginning with growing the raw material and moving through mechanical and chemical treatment before the fibres are softened.

In the first stage, Bamboo plants are planted in spring .They are then left to grow until autumn,When they are harvested by hand. This means that roughly six months pass between planting and harvesting ,which is by far the longest phase of the process.

Once harvested ,The bamboo is cut into spring using a circular saw .These Strips are then crushed to produce a liquid pulp.Following this ,the pulp is filtered so that the long fibres are separated from the liquid .

In the Final stage Shown,the fibres are softened by adding water and amino oxide ,after which they resemble soft cotton-like material .An arrow below this step indicates that process continue.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

You identify the process and give a broad overview, noting that it starts with growing bamboo and includes mechanical and chemical treatment. However, the overview says there are “six main stages” and stops at fibre softening, whereas the diagram shows nine steps and continues through spinning yarn, weaving fabric, and producing clothing. The body also omits these final stages, so the account does not cover the complete process. Some details are unsupported: the diagram does not specify that harvesting is by hand or that six months pass, and “spring” is incorrectly used for the strips. The response is also two words below the required minimum. To improve, describe all stages accurately and avoid adding timings or methods not shown.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a generally understandable sequence, moving from planting and harvesting to cutting, crushing, filtering, and softening. Paragraphing separates the overview from the process details, and transitions such as “Once harvested” and “Following this” help guide the reader. However, the account ends abruptly with “an arrow below this step indicates that process continue,” rather than explaining what follows. This leaves the progression incomplete and makes the final reference unclear. Some linking is also mechanical, and inconsistent capitalisation and spacing interrupt the flow. Organise the body around the diagram’s full sequence, using clear stage-to-stage links through yarn, fabric, and clothing, and ensure each reference points unambiguously to a process step.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonable range of process vocabulary, including “harvested,” “crushed,” “liquid pulp,” “filtered,” and “fibres are softened.” These terms help communicate the manufacturing stages. However, several choices are inaccurate or imprecise: “cut into spring” does not describe the diagram, and “amino oxide” misnames the chemical, which is amine oxide. “Raw material” and “mechanical and chemical treatment” are useful but broad, while “soft cotton-like material” is an interpretation rather than a clearly labelled feature. Spelling and word-form control also need attention, as in “consistes.” Aim for precise process terms and check technical labels against the diagram; for example, use “cut into strips” and “add water and amine oxide.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex structures, including “so that the long fibres are separated from the liquid” and “after which they resemble…”. These constructions show some range, and the main meaning is usually clear. Some grammatical and punctuation errors remain, however. In “the process consistes,” the verb should agree with the singular subject (“consists”); “that process continue” needs “the process continues.” The opening also runs “bamboo.Overall” together, and commas and full stops are often separated from the preceding word. Capital letters are inconsistently used within sentences, such as “Bamboo” and “When.” Review subject–verb agreement, articles, and sentence boundaries, then proofread punctuation and capitalisation.

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