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 process diagram illustrates how plastic bottles are recycled. Overall, the process consists of eight stages, beginning with the collection of used plastic bottles in recycling bins and ending with the production of raw plastic material, which is used to manufacture new plastic products.

Initially, used plastic bottles are placed in recycling bins. Next, they are collected and transported to a recycling centre, where they are sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable materials. After that, the recyclable bottles are compressed into blocks before being crushed into small pieces. The crushed plastic is then washed thoroughly.

In the next stage, the clean plastic pieces are processed into plastic pellets. These pellets are then heated to produce raw plastic material. Finally, the raw material is used to manufacture new plastic products, such as bottles, containers, and other plastic items.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers all stages of the process clearly and provides a logical overview. However, the response is 136 words long, which falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement. This under-length significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the description or provide more detailed comparisons of the stages. While the main features are identified, the brevity prevents the response from reaching a higher band. To improve, you should expand on the descriptions of each stage, perhaps by adding more detail about the physical changes occurring at each step or by grouping stages more analytically.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a logical progression of steps. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Next', 'After that', and 'In the next stage' creates a smooth flow between the steps of the recycling process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the cycle. The information is easy to follow, and the relationship between the stages is clearly established throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for describing a technical process. You have used relevant terms such as 'compressed', 'crushed', 'processed', and 'raw plastic material' effectively. While the range is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it is somewhat limited and relies on fairly standard terminology. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated or precise vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'granulated', 'reconstituted', or 'transformed'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The grammar is generally accurate, and the sentences are clear and easy to read. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the passive voice ('are placed', 'are collected', 'are compressed'), which is highly appropriate for describing a process. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To improve, you could introduce a wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as using participle clauses or more varied subordinating conjunctions to link the stages more fluidly.

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

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