Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-17

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how instant noodles are manufactured.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The given diagram illustrates the process of how instant noodles are manufactured.

It is clear from the diagram that there are 8 steps of manufacturing instant noodles, starting from providing flour to storage silos, which is then passed to the mixer, here the flour gets mixed with water and oil. Further, the mixture is passed on to the roller which creates the dough sheets and then they sheets are processed into dough strips through the machine. In the next step, the strips are created into noodles discs and later on cooked in oil and eventually dried. Hence, the process of making the instant noodles gets completed here. Later on, after the noodles get dried they are packed in cups along with vegetables and spices. The cups are then labeled and sealed as the last step of manufacturing.

To conclude, this was the complete overview of how instant noodles are manufactured from mixing the flour to labelling and sealing.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the manufacturing process, from the initial storage of flour to the final sealing of the cups. It successfully identifies the main features of the diagram. However, the response lacks a clear overview paragraph that highlights the most significant trends or the nature of the process (e.g., a linear, multi-stage industrial process). While the steps are described, the response could be improved by grouping the stages more logically—such as preparation, processing, and packaging—to provide a more analytical summary rather than a simple chronological list. The inclusion of a clear overview would elevate the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized in a chronological sequence, which is appropriate for a process diagram. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Further,' 'In the next step,' and 'Later on' helps guide the reader through the stages. However, the paragraphing is weak; the entire body of the report is contained within a single paragraph, which hinders the logical flow. Dividing the process into distinct stages (e.g., preparation vs. packaging) would improve the structure. Additionally, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the concluding sentence is somewhat redundant.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using process-specific terms like 'storage silos,' 'dough sheets,' 'dough strips,' and 'sealed.' However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. For instance, the word 'process' and 'manufactured' are used multiple times. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more varied synonyms and precise collocations related to industrial manufacturing. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary used is accurate in context, but it lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for higher band scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'they sheets' (should be 'the sheets') and 'the process of making the instant noodles gets completed here,' which is slightly awkward phrasing. While the meaning is always clear, the range of complex structures is limited. The use of passive voice is appropriate for a process description, but more variety in sentence construction would demonstrate better control. Punctuation is generally accurate, and errors do not impede communication.

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

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