Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-28
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 picture provides insight into the multi-step process involved in manufacturing instant cup noodles.
The process spans across 8 distinct stages starting with the preparation of dough and culminating with the addition of labels and seals to the final product.
The process begins with the transportation of dough via a lorry from the storage silos to the manufacturing area. The dough is prepared by adding water and oil, then a mixer is used to obtain the required consistency of the dough. Rollers are used to flatten the mixture to produce thin sheets. Long vertical strips of dough is then obtained as the sheets pass through the horizontal machine in the fourth step. These individual strips are clumped togather to form noodle discs to which cooking oil is added. This step also involves drying the product before it is available for packaging.
Cylindrical cups are used for packaging the instant noodles. A mix of vegetables and spices is then added to each individual cup. The final step involves addition of labels and sealing the cups. The entire process is automated using machines, allowing for simultaneous production of multiple cups. The only step that requires humans is for transpotation of the dough to the factory.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The student successfully covers all the main stages of the manufacturing process from flour storage to final labelling and sealing. An appropriate overview is provided in the second paragraph, outlining the total number of stages and the overall progression. Key features are reported well, such as the mixing of flour with water and oil, the formation of sheets, strips, and discs, followed by cooking, drying, and packaging. However, there are minor inaccuracies in the interpretation of the diagram: the text states that 'dough is transported via a lorry from the storage silos', whereas the diagram shows flour being delivered by a truck to the silos, and the dough is actually formed inside the mixer. Furthermore, the concluding speculation that 'the only step that requires humans is for transportation' is not supported by the visual data. Overall, the response meets the core requirements of Task 1.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response is logically organised into clear paragraphs, progressing from an introduction and overview to the body of the manufacturing process and finishing with packaging details. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader through the sequence, such as 'The process begins with', 'then', and 'The final step'. However, there are some mechanical transitions, and referencing is occasionally slightly loose, such as the sudden introduction of cylindrical cups and automated processes in the final paragraph without clear linking to the visual sequence. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to structure the text logically, contributing to an overall coherent arrangement.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for a process diagram, using terms such as 'multi-step process', 'consistency', 'flatten', and 'simultaneous production'. There are some successful attempts at less common vocabulary ('culminating with', 'cylindrical cups'). However, there are noticeable word choice and spelling inaccuracies, such as 'lorry' versus 'truck', 'clumped togather' (spelling error), and 'transpotation' (spelling error). Furthermore, terms like 'horizontal machine' and 'clumped together to form noodle discs' are slightly inaccurate descriptions of the visual data. These errors do not impede communication but prevent the lexical score from reaching a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating passive structures appropriately for a process description, such as 'The dough is prepared' and 'Cylindrical cups are used'. However, there are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings. For instance, subject-verb agreement is flawed in the sentence 'Long vertical strips of dough is then obtained' ('strips... are'). There are also occasional punctuation or structural slips, but overall, the sentences remain generally clear and do not impede the reader's understanding.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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