Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-05
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 5.0)
The process diagram illustrates cycle of how plastic bottles are recycled by 9 stages.
Overall, it starts with dropping bottles into recycling bin. When the final way is already done, these products are available for customers to use and the cycle continuous.
When the litters, which is thrown away, are then derived to recycling centre by its car. Subsequently, they are distinguished sort by sort. In the fourth step, the sorted drops are compressed by factory machine and the bottles are still remained plastic.
In the fifth stage, as the way to crush it starts, the bottles are ready for producing with washing them. The crushed bottles are turned into produced plastic pellets which is available to the next stage of boiling pellets to form raw material. The final step is produced pr
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement. Furthermore, the description of the process is incomplete; the text cuts off abruptly at the final stage, meaning the full cycle is not described. While the response attempts to outline the stages, the lack of completion and the failure to reach the minimum length prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure all stages of the diagram are described in detail and that the response meets the length requirement to allow for a full development of the process.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response shows some attempt at logical sequencing, using transition words like 'Subsequently' and 'In the fourth step'. However, the paragraphing is ineffective, and the abrupt ending disrupts the overall flow. The use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally inaccurate, such as 'When the final way is already done', which is unclear. The progression of ideas is hindered by the incomplete nature of the text. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking phrases and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, completed topic.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'litters' (which is uncountable) and 'derived to' (instead of 'transported to'). Phrases like 'distinguished sort by sort' and 'ready for producing with washing them' are unnatural and impede clarity. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe a technical process effectively. To improve, focus on learning specific collocations related to industrial processes, such as 'sorted', 'processed', 'manufactured', and 'raw materials'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally make the meaning difficult to follow. Examples include 'illustrates cycle of how' (missing article), 'the litters... are then derived' (subject-verb agreement and incorrect word choice), and 'bottles are still remained plastic' (incorrect passive voice). Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at complex sentences are often faulty, such as 'as the way to crush it starts'. There is a lack of control over basic grammar, including articles and verb forms. Increased focus on sentence construction and proofreading is necessary.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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