Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-09
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 illustration gives information about the process involved in recycling plastic bottles. Overall, there are nine steps that are involved in recycling process of manufacturing of different things as well.
It is quite evident from the diagram that in the first stage, bottles are put into the recycling bin then taken into the trucks for further process. In the following stage, sorting process takes place in recycling centre. However, in the next stage, the bottles are compressing into blocks. Furthermore, the crushing process takes place for sorting of material.
Meanwhile, the crushed material is then washed out as well. In the six stage, plastic pallets produced in a process and then heating process placed for heating pallets into raw material. In the next step, raw material formed in a well manner. The last stage shows that manufacturing of different items occur by the end products such as plastic box, pencils, shirts and bottles respectively.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| 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, but the description is somewhat superficial. While you identify the nine steps, the explanation of the process lacks detail in several areas. For example, you mention 'sorting process' and 'crushing process' but do not explain how these relate to the visual information provided. The summary of the final products is accurate, but the overall development of the process description is limited. To reach a higher band, ensure that you describe the transformation of the material more clearly, such as explaining that the crushed plastic is turned into pellets before being heated into raw material.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. You use some cohesive devices such as 'In the following stage', 'Furthermore', and 'Meanwhile' to link ideas. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly unnatural, such as 'In the six stage' or 'in a well manner'. The logical flow is generally clear, but the transition between the crushing and washing stages could be smoother. The referencing is mostly clear, but the overall structure would benefit from more varied and sophisticated linking words to improve the flow between sentences.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. You rely on basic terms like 'process', 'stage', and 'things'. There are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'bottles are compressing into blocks' (should be 'compressed') and 'heating process placed for heating pallets' (repetitive and awkward). The phrase 'formed in a well manner' is not standard English. To improve, focus on using more specific technical vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'shredded', 'granulated', or 'moulded', and ensure that your word choices are grammatically appropriate for the context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally hinder clarity. Examples include 'recycling process of manufacturing of different things' (missing articles and awkward phrasing), 'bottles are compressing' (incorrect passive voice), and 'manufacturing of different items occur' (subject-verb agreement error). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the sentence construction is often clunky. To improve, focus on mastering the passive voice, which is essential for process descriptions, and pay closer attention to article usage and subject-verb agreement to ensure your sentences are error-free.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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