Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-13
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 provided pictorial representation illustrates the stages of recycling plastic bottles.
Overall, plastic bottles undergo nine stage recycling process, beginning with collection of used bottles into recycling bins and ending with producing end products out of the raw material obtained from heating plastic pellets.
Initially, used bottles are disposed in recycling bins. They are then collected by recycling trucks and being transported to recycling facilities for their sorting and , compressing into blocks , after compression they are crushed between two pointed blades to produce plastic pellets out of the bottle and then washed, Then these plastic pellets are heated to form raw material.
Next, the raw material is stored and is being used for producing different types of products like pencils, bags, clothes, boxes. which are further used and .After that the bottles and different products made up of plastic are recycled again allowing the recycling cycle to be continued again
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, from collection to the production of new items. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview of the process flow. While the main features are identified, the explanation of the middle stages—specifically the transition from sorting to crushing and pelletizing—is slightly disjointed. The summary of the final products is accurate, but the conclusion regarding the cycle is a bit repetitive. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the stages is explained more fluidly rather than just listing them sequentially.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or awkward. For example, the phrase 'after compression they are crushed' is followed by a comma splice and a run-on sentence structure. The use of 'Then' and 'Next' is repetitive, and the punctuation is inconsistent, particularly with the placement of commas and periods. The flow between sentences is occasionally interrupted by these grammatical and structural issues, which prevents the writing from reaching a higher level of cohesion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, using terms like 'pictorial representation', 'recycling facilities', and 'raw material'. However, there are instances of imprecise word choice and awkward phrasing, such as 'disposed in recycling bins' (usually 'disposed of') and 'producing end products out of the raw material'. The repetition of the word 'recycling' and 'bottles' throughout the text limits the range. There are no significant spelling errors, but the overall lexical range is somewhat restricted and lacks the sophistication required for a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation that occasionally impede readability. For instance, 'being transported' is grammatically incorrect in the context of the sentence, and there are several instances of incorrect comma usage and run-on sentences, such as '...boxes. which are further used and .After that...'. The misuse of articles and prepositions is also noticeable. While the meaning is generally clear, the high frequency of these minor errors prevents the writing from demonstrating the control required for a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.