The two illustrations explain the full procedure of creating a coloured silk cloth. The first stage occurs in nature, where an insect called a moth under goes four main phases to form a cocoon, which is the initial ingredient for silk production. The second stage happens with the interference of man, whom converts cocoon in a six step process to eventually get a stained silk cloth.

The life cycle of a silkworm begins as a moth lays it’s eggs and after a ten days period, these eggs turn into silkworm larva. These larva begin their search for nutrition, mainly on mulberry leaves. During a span of four to six weeks, these larva mature and solidify forming a silk thread . Eventually, the cocoon is developed and the moth is released to repeat its cycle after more than two weeks.

Far away from nature, man begins manufacturing silk fabric by firstly, selecting the appropriate cocoons and placing them with water in a boiling container. Secondly, the cocoons are wounded to produce a thread which extends for 300 to 900 meters long. After that, the thread is

either twisted or twisted and woven. Finally, both threads are dyed with a suitable stain to give a wider range of silky fabric.

Comments:

IELTS Marking Criteria My comments Band score

Task Fulfilment Covers the requirements of the task extremely well. Describes effectively both sets of information regarding the processes. Presents an excellent overview with information appropriately selected – however, you will have to reduce the length of the overview a little as you were overlength.

7

Cohesion and Coherence Clearly presents and highlights key features/bullet points. Logically organises information and ideas; there is clear progression throughout – all parts of the process were connected clearly and the flow was logical.

7.5

Lexical resource Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision – some great vocab here. Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation. Occasional inaccuracies with word choice – ‘stain and dye’ as verbs are the same in meaning but as nouns are different – ‘stain’ is an accidental mark. Also ‘wound’ vs ‘unwound’.

7.5

Grammatical Range

and accuracy

Uses a variety of complex structures. Produces some almost error-free sentences. 7.5

There are issues with compound adjectives; plural nouns and ‘whom’ vs ‘who’. But generally it was very sophisticated.

Overall score: 7.5 - Well done. A really good answer. The only issue is the length still – the ability to summarise is something you’ll have to practice.