Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

Overall, the diagram demonstrates the total of nine steps of recycling plastic bottles. From throwing bottles to the Bin to how products are produced are all described in the given diagram.

The first step to recycle is throwing all the plastics and wastes to the dustbin. When the Bin filled then the truck arrives and put all the material from the Bin and then bring it to the recycling centre where all the products are recycled. Then all the produced that are useful took them aside and waste products on the other side. After that, the product is compressing into blocks and then the given process undergoes crushing so that after washing producing plastic pallets. Then the process goes on healing pallets to form raw pallets after that raw material is produced and from raw materials different products are produced like plastic bottles, pencils, shirts and stationery items and hence the process is repeated

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of new items. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While the prompt asks for a summary of main features, the response reads more like a list of steps rather than a cohesive report. The inclusion of 'nine steps' is a good attempt at an overview, but the subsequent description is slightly disjointed. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the cyclical nature of the process more effectively and avoids listing every minor action, focusing instead on the key transformations of the material.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized chronologically, which is appropriate for a process diagram. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive, with 'then' and 'after that' appearing frequently. Paragraphing is insufficient; the response is essentially one long block of text following the introduction, which hinders the logical flow. To reach a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'once the material has been...') and structure the response into distinct paragraphs to separate the collection, processing, and manufacturing stages.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher score. You use basic terms like 'throwing', 'put', and 'healing' (likely meant 'heating'). There is also some awkward phrasing, such as 'all the produced that are useful took them aside'. To improve, use more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'sorting', 'compressed', 'shredded', or 'manufactured'. Expanding your range to include more specific verbs and nouns will help convey the information more professionally and accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'When the Bin filled then the truck arrives' (tense inconsistency) and 'the product is compressing into blocks' (incorrect passive voice). There are also issues with article usage and word forms, such as 'producing plastic pallets' instead of 'to produce'. To improve, focus on mastering the passive voice, which is essential for describing processes, and ensure consistent verb tenses throughout the report.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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