Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-07
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 illustrates the stages for constructing plastic bottles that are recycled.
Overall, used plastic bottles experience several manufacturing steps, from the stage of disposal to the production of fresh polyester products, including clothing, stationery, bags, bottles and boxes.
Once the plastic bottles are thrown in recycling bin, they are transported to the recycling centre by trucks, where plastics are organised into different grades. After that, the selected ones are packed into cubes by applying pressure.
Up to this point, it can be crushed through the cutting machines. The following plastic pieces and fragments soon fall into a massive liquid-filled tank for washing. As soon as these clean plastic pellets pour into a machine, thinner and finer pellets are ready to get heated from a base.
At this stage, raw material is formed. It is then sorted into layers and secured using some ropes. At the end, the raw material-plastic, is transformed into various goods with different decorative designs through lots of manufacturing industries.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of final goods. However, the description of the process is somewhat imprecise. For instance, the text mentions 'constructing plastic bottles' in the introduction, which is inaccurate as the diagram depicts recycling, not manufacturing from scratch. Additionally, the description of the technical stages, such as 'thinner and finer pellets are ready to get heated from a base', lacks clarity and fails to accurately reflect the visual information provided in the diagram. While the overview is present, the report would benefit from more precise terminology and a clearer logical flow regarding the transformation of the material.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Once', 'After that', 'At this stage', and 'At the end' are used to signal the progression of the cycle. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive. The referencing is generally clear, though the connection between the 'raw material' and the final products could be more smoothly integrated. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is sequenced in a way that reflects the chronological nature of the process.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the process with some success. Phrases like 'recycling centre', 'cutting machines', and 'liquid-filled tank' are relevant. However, there are instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'constructing plastic bottles' instead of 'recycling process' and 'organised into different grades' rather than 'sorted'. The phrase 'get heated from a base' is also somewhat awkward and lacks the precision expected at higher bands. Expanding the range of technical vocabulary related to industrial processes would improve the score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'Once the plastic bottles are thrown in recycling bin' (missing article 'a') and 'the raw material-plastic, is transformed' (incorrect punctuation). The sentence 'Up to this point, it can be crushed' is slightly confusing in its reference. While the errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher band. The control over complex structures is present but not always accurate, and punctuation could be more refined.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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