Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The figure below illustrates the method for reusing plastic bottles.

Overall, garbage, after being collected, is categorized, compressed, crushed, and it is transformed into raw materials that help in producing end products.

After a close observation of the data, we can see that people, after using the liquids throw away the plastic bottles in the trash. This is then collected by the collectors and sent to the recycling centre. After reaching there, they start sorting the bottles according to the category, then they are sent to the next department where they compress them into blocks by applying immense pressure and force. Now these blocks are sent to the huge crushers which usually two gigantic teethed rollers and they crush the blocks and which then form small plastic pieces called pellets, which after being washed are sent are then dried. These pellets are then heated to form the raw materials which used to for the production of a wide range of end products.

In conclusion, the process invloves recycling of the used plastic waste and after a series of steps transforms it into new reusable items.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of end products. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence logically. However, the task requires a more analytical approach to the 'main features'. While you describe the steps, you could improve by highlighting the transformation of the material at each stage (e.g., from solid bottles to blocks, then to pellets, and finally to raw material). The description is accurate, but adding more precise detail about the physical changes would elevate the response to a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. You use some cohesive devices like 'After reaching there' and 'These pellets are then', which help the flow. However, some transitions are repetitive or slightly mechanical, such as the frequent use of 'after' to start sentences. Paragraphing is present, but the body paragraph is quite long; breaking it into two smaller paragraphs—perhaps one for the initial collection/sorting and one for the mechanical processing—would improve the overall structure and readability.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'categorized', 'compressed', 'immense pressure', and 'raw materials'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'huge crushers which usually two gigantic teethed rollers', where the grammar and phrasing are slightly awkward. To improve, try to incorporate more precise technical collocations related to industrial processes. Your vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that affect the flow. For example, 'which usually two gigantic teethed rollers' is missing a verb, and 'which used to for the production' contains redundant words. There are also issues with punctuation and sentence construction, such as the run-on sentence in the third paragraph. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and ensuring every clause has a clear verb will help improve your accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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