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 Given diagram illustrates the process how plastic bottles are recycled.
Overall, it is clear that it is a man made process diagram. there are three main stages in this process: beginnings with collecting plastic bottles and carrying by lorry for sorting; followed by compressing into blocks, crushing and washing ; and endings the producing heating plastic pellets to make raw material and make products.
In the initial stage, plastic bottles are collected by particular people, gathered them and carried by lorry for sorting. After sorting, compressing bottles into blocks, crushing small sizes and washing them with chemical.
After washing, producing plastic pellets starts in a machine. Then, taking this in a big pot and heating them into pellets to from raw material. From there, raw material use producing and make new products. After utilizing this products this products remain use and again recycled same away. Though it is a long term process, it is important for environment.
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 the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of new items. However, the description is somewhat superficial and lacks detail regarding the specific technical steps shown in the diagram, such as the separation of materials or the specific temperature processes. While the overview identifies the stages, it does not clearly highlight the cyclical nature of the process as effectively as it could. The inclusion of personal commentary at the end, stating 'it is important for environment,' is unnecessary for an Academic Task 1 report, which should remain objective and focused solely on the provided data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, phrases like 'endings the producing' and 'same away' are awkward and disrupt the flow of information. Referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly in the final paragraph where 'this products' is used repeatedly with grammatical errors. While there is a logical sequence, the lack of sophisticated linking words and the repetitive sentence structures limit the overall coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally limited and repetitive. The student relies on basic verbs like 'make,' 'take,' and 'use,' which do not demonstrate the range required for higher bands. There are several instances of incorrect word choice and collocation, such as 'man made process diagram' and 'heating plastic pellets to make raw material.' The phrasing 'same away' is also non-standard. To improve, the student needs to incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'shredded,' 'processed,' 'converted,' or 'manufactured.'
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with verb forms (e.g., 'beginnings with collecting,' 'endings the producing'), article usage, and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack proper subject-verb agreement, such as 'gathered them and carried by lorry' and 'raw material use producing.' While the student attempts some complex structures, they are often faulty. A greater focus on basic sentence construction and ensuring correct tense usage is necessary to improve the accuracy of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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