Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-02

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows the process for recycling plastic bottles.

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

How plastic bottles are recycled

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The diagram below illustrates the process of recycling plastic bottles.

In an overview their are nine steps which are starting from plastic send to recycle bin and ends on it produces many type of things like pencils, bottles, shirts and so many other things.

The process of bottles recycling starts from when a person send plastic to the recycle bin after their use. after that this plastic is collect by the truck. which sent these plastic to recycling center. and then plastic is sorted recyclable and non recyclable. after that the recyclable plastic is compress into blocks.

Blocks are crushed and washed for cleaning . and then they are convert into small pieces which is called pellets. these pellets are heated and then it is convert into raw material which is such as household things like bottles, pencils, shirts, food containers, plastic bags and so many other things this the whole process of plastic recycling

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of new items. However, the overview is somewhat simplistic, and the description of the process lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the transformation stages. For instance, the transition from 'pellets' to 'raw material' is vague. While the task is addressed, the information is presented in a list-like fashion rather than a cohesive summary, and the lack of a clear, analytical overview of the process flow limits the score. To improve, ensure you clearly group the stages and highlight the key transformations.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the internal structure is weak. The use of cohesive devices is repetitive and often inaccurate, such as starting multiple sentences with 'after that'. The flow between sentences is disjointed, making the text feel like a series of isolated points rather than a logical progression. Referencing is also problematic; for example, 'this the whole process' is an abrupt and grammatically incorrect conclusion. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'once the process is complete') and ensure that each sentence logically follows the previous one.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive, relying heavily on simple verbs like 'send', 'collect', and 'convert'. There are several instances of incorrect word forms, such as 'is collect' instead of 'is collected' and 'is compress' instead of 'is compressed'. The range of vocabulary is limited to the words provided in the prompt, with little attempt to use synonyms or more precise technical terminology related to industrial processes. To achieve a higher band, focus on using more varied verbs and nouns, and pay close attention to word forms and collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede readability. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement ('their are nine steps', 'plastic is collect'), incorrect verb tenses, and missing articles. Sentence structures are predominantly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences are often marred by errors, such as 'which is called pellets' (should be 'which are called pellets'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with spaces missing before periods. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing processes.

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