Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-04
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 given diagram illustrates the steps in sequence to explain how plastic bottles are recycled .This process contains total nine steps .
The process starts when bottle is being throwed in to the bin by a man . Moving on forward then a pickup vehicle comes and takes the rubbish placed in tin along with them. The waste is then taken into recycling center where a worker sorts the trash ,separates plastic from non plastic . Furthermore the plastic is compressed into blocks ,blocks are then crushed through the machine in to small fragments the fragments directly fall in to water placed just below the crushing machine , where washing process takes place . In addition to that plastic pellets are produced ,pellets are produced when they are passed through the the machine . Moreover the pellets are are heated in order to make raw material .Finally after seven long steps raw material came into existence which is then further used to make products like shirts , pencils ,bottles and lunch boxes .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all stages of the recycling process, from the initial collection to the final production of goods. However, the overview is somewhat weak; it simply states the number of steps rather than highlighting the main trends or the cyclical nature of the process. While the key features are identified, the description is a bit mechanical, listing steps one by one without grouping them into logical phases (e.g., collection, processing, and manufacturing). To improve, you should aim to synthesize the information more effectively in the introduction and ensure the overview captures the essence of the transformation process.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is generally coherent, and the information is presented in a logical, chronological order. You have used some cohesive devices such as 'Moving on forward', 'Furthermore', and 'In addition to that'. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire body of the report is contained within a single block of text. A more effective structure would involve separating the introduction/overview from the body paragraphs. Additionally, some transitions feel slightly repetitive or mechanical, which hinders the flow of the text. Improving the variety of linking words and using clear paragraph breaks will significantly enhance the readability.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. You rely on basic verbs like 'takes', 'placed', and 'made'. There are also some awkward word choices, such as 'throwed' (incorrect past tense of throw) and 'rubbish placed in tin'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more specific technical vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'sorted', 'processed', 'converted', or 'manufactured'. Expanding your range to include more precise collocations will help you convey the information with greater clarity and sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'bottle is being throwed' (incorrect verb form), 'in to' (should be one word 'into'), and 'the the' (repetition). There are also issues with article usage, such as 'in to the bin' and 'in to water'. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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