Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-18

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)

First, we drop all the plastic bottles into the recycle bin. After completing the recycle bin, then came a garbage truck to carry all the plastic from the recycle bin and drop all the plastic into recycling center that called sorting. There are two portions in a recycling center where one contains bottles like in a correct shape and the other bottles kept in another container. After separating all the bottles, we put the bottles into the form of compressing blocks and then it looks like a square block. After that, we put all the blocks into a crushing machine where all the crushing blocks entered into the washing container. After washed that, all the plastics put into the plastic pellets machine where we get plastic pellets and then these pellets are heating in a specific temperature to make the shape of raw materials. Now this raw material used to make many products like plastic bottles, pencils, plastic bags, and lunch boxes etc.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response provides a basic overview of the recycling process, but it fails to meet the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report. The tone is overly informal and narrative, using personal pronouns like 'we' and 'our' instead of an objective, analytical style. While the main stages are identified, the description lacks the precision required for a process diagram. For example, the explanation of the sorting stage is vague ('two portions in a recycling center'), and the description of the final products is a list rather than a synthesis of the process. To improve, focus on describing the stages objectively using passive voice and ensure all key features of the diagram are clearly highlighted.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is presented as a single block of text, which makes it difficult to follow the logical progression of the process. While some cohesive devices are used, such as 'After', 'then', and 'Now', they are used repetitively and mechanically. The lack of paragraphing hinders the overall structure, as the transition between the collection phase and the manufacturing phase is not clearly demarcated. To improve, organize the response into clear paragraphs: an introduction, a body paragraph for the collection/sorting stages, and a body paragraph for the processing/manufacturing stages. This will help the reader follow the sequence of events more effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'put', 'bottles', and 'plastic'. There is a lack of technical or precise terminology suitable for describing a recycling process. Phrases such as 'in a correct shape' and 'crushing blocks' are imprecise and do not accurately reflect the industrial nature of the process. Additionally, there are errors in word choice, such as 'after washed that' and 'these pellets are heating', which indicate a lack of control over more complex lexical items. Expanding your vocabulary to include process-specific terms like 'compressed', 'shredded', 'granulated', and 'raw material' would significantly enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with verb tense consistency, such as 'then came a garbage truck' (past) followed by 'we put' (present). Sentence structures are largely simple or repetitive, with frequent errors in passive voice construction, such as 'all the plastics put into' instead of 'all the plastics are put into'. Additionally, there are errors in article usage and prepositional phrases, such as 'in a recycling center' instead of 'at a recycling center'. To improve, focus on mastering the passive voice, which is essential for process descriptions, and ensure consistent use of the present simple tense throughout.

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