Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-17
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 process for recycling plastic bottles has been illustrated by diagram below. According to the given picture it seems that this process overlap in 9 steps, from recycle bin to producing new products, Each level has different system, and the diagram shows all in one photo.
The collecting of all bottles in a bins is a first step of system. Carrying those plastic material to a recycling system is doing by big trucks. Secondly, people are sorting the trash according to their quality and material. Later those sorted parts are being compressed into blocks. Crushing these blocks is the 5th part of procedure and producing small plastic pellets by machine follows the 5th. Pellets should be heated to form raw materials, so those raw could be use for new products. Finally, new plastic bottles, bowls, bags and some daily tools can be prepared from those raw materials.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, but it fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While the key steps are identified, the description is somewhat superficial and lacks a clear overview or summary of the process as a whole. The report focuses on listing steps rather than synthesizing the information effectively. To improve, ensure you provide a clear introductory overview and extend your descriptions of the stages to meet the length requirement, ensuring all parts of the prompt are fully addressed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into two paragraphs, which is a logical approach. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Secondly', 'Later', 'Finally'). The progression of ideas is clear, but the transitions between sentences could be more sophisticated to improve the flow. Paragraphing is present, but the overall structure is quite basic. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas more naturally and improve the overall cohesion of the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision expected at higher levels. There are some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'overlap in 9 steps' (likely meaning 'consists of') and 'collecting of all bottles in a bins'. The use of terms like 'trash', 'blocks', and 'daily tools' is functional but basic. To improve, incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'sorted', 'compressed', 'shredded', or 'reprocessed', and ensure accurate word forms and collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'has been illustrated by diagram below' (missing article), 'is doing by big trucks' (incorrect passive voice), and 'those raw could be use' (incorrect verb form). Punctuation is also inconsistent in places. To improve, focus on mastering passive voice constructions, which are essential for process descriptions, and ensure consistent subject-verb agreement and correct article usage throughout your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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