Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The pictorial diagram below demonstrates the procedure for recycling bottles made from plastic.
At first, the plastic bottles that were placed in recycle bin will be collected in the garbage trucks. Then, in the recycling departments the sorting of plastic bottles is carried out. After sorting, the blocks of plastic bottles are compressed hard. When it is compressed completely into blocks, it is crushed in the crusher machine. Then after, it is cleaned properly and moved to the plastic pellets machines that converts it into plastic pellets.
To obtained raw materials the pellets of plastic are heated which is later converted into raw materials. At last, the raw materials can be employed to producing ends products such as new plastic bottles, clothes, pencils, T-shirts etc.
Overall, the diagram simplifies the process for recycling plastic bottles but at the end several other materials can be produced in the same way like plastic bottles.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| 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 end products. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview of the process as a whole. While the main features are identified, the analysis is quite basic. The summary provided in the final paragraph is a bit repetitive and does not effectively synthesize the information presented in the diagram. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the cyclical or transformative nature of the process rather than just listing steps. The response addresses the prompt adequately but lacks the depth required for a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. Cohesive devices such as 'At first', 'Then', 'After sorting', and 'At last' are used to link the stages. However, some of these transitions feel a bit mechanical or repetitive. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the connection between the final stage and the overall summary could be smoother. The use of referencing is generally accurate, though the flow between sentences could be improved by varying the sentence structure and using a wider range of cohesive links.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is sufficient to describe the process, using terms like 'compressed', 'crushed', 'cleaned', and 'raw materials'. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'employed to producing ends products' (should be 'employed to produce end products') and 'To obtained raw materials' (should be 'To obtain raw materials'). The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the sophistication or precision required for a higher band score. Expanding the range of verbs and nouns related to industrial processes would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'the plastic bottles that were placed in recycle bin' (missing article 'a' or 'the'), 'it is cleaned properly and moved to the plastic pellets machines that converts it' (subject-verb agreement error: 'convert' should be plural to match 'machines'), and 'To obtained raw materials' (incorrect verb form). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent verb tense usage will help improve accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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