IELTS Cambridge 20 Task 1 Sample: Bamboo Fabric

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.

The diagram illustrates the process used to manufacture fabric and clothing from bamboo trees.

Overall, bamboo undergoes a nine-step transformation from a young plant to becoming articles of clothing. After harvesting, a series of mechanical and chemical treatments occur before the fibers are finally woven into fabric.

Bamboo is planted in the spring and then left to grow until autumn, when it is cut down and collected. Step three is cutting the stalks into long, thin strips, using industrial saws. These fine strips are then crushed, producing a liquid pulp, which is subsequently filtered, separating the long fibers from the remaining liquid.

In the sixth step, these fibers are softened by adding water and a chemical agent, amine oxide. Once fully pliable, the material is spun to create yarn and woven to form bamboo fabric. In the final stage, the clothing industry uses fabric to make items such as T-shirts and socks.

Source of the task: Cambridge IELTS book number 20

Sample Written by ESL Fluency