Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-16
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 5.0)
The diagram below shows the process for recycling plastic bottles The given process chart shows the process of recycling plastic bottles
In the first step, plastic bottles are thrown in the dump yard . then in the second step, garbage is transported to the truck and are transported to the recycling centre for the process of sorting then in the fourth step garbbage is compressed into the blocks then in the next step garbbage is crushed then the crushed garbbage is washed then the plastic pellets are produced then pellets are heated to form raw material then the raw material is packed then at last end products for example t- shirts , pencils, polythenes etc are produced.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While the student identifies the main stages of the recycling process, the description is overly simplistic and lacks the necessary detail or analytical comparison required for an Academic Task 1 response. The overview is missing, and the information is presented as a basic list rather than a cohesive report. To improve, the student must expand on the process descriptions, include a clear overview of the main trends or stages, and ensure the response meets the length requirement to allow for a full development of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The text lacks paragraphing, which is essential for a structured report. The progression of ideas is mechanical, relying heavily on repetitive use of 'then' and 'in the next step' to link sentences. There is no clear logical organization or grouping of the process stages. To achieve a higher band, the student should organize the information into logical paragraphs (e.g., collection, processing, and final production) and use a wider variety of cohesive devices to improve the flow and readability of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is very basic and repetitive, with the word 'garbage' used frequently where more precise terms like 'waste', 'refuse', or 'materials' would be appropriate. There are also spelling errors, such as 'garbbage'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe a technical process effectively. To improve, the student should focus on learning process-specific vocabulary (e.g., 'sorted', 'compressed', 'processed', 'manufactured') and avoid repeating the same simple transition words throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response consists almost entirely of simple sentences with a repetitive structure. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, which are necessary for higher band scores. Punctuation is inconsistent, with missing capital letters at the start of sentences and erratic spacing around punctuation marks. While the meaning is generally understandable, the grammatical range is very limited. The student should practice using passive voice constructions, which are standard for process descriptions, and work on sentence variety and accurate punctuation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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