Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-20

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 image illustrates stages of recycling plastic bottles the first stage is collecting bottles in order to acquire that we need to provide trash cans specifically for bottles. After successfully collecting the bottles, we would need to transport the bottles to recycling centers where our first job would be sorting the bottles we will be able to recycle. next step will be compressing the bottles into blocks.

Our next important step is crushing the blocks into bits and cleaning them. For the following step we will use a machine to yield plastic pellets and heat them. This process will create raw material. We can use the raw materials gained form this process to produce various products. Some of the products are bottles, pencils, shirts etc...

Therefore, we can use these steps to regenerate bottles into different types of products

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of new items. However, the response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the overall task achievement. Furthermore, the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks a clear overview or summary of the process as a whole. While the key stages are identified, the lack of development and the failure to reach the minimum length prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure you provide a clear introductory summary and expand on the details of each stage to meet the word count.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organised in a chronological manner, which is appropriate for a process description. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire response is essentially one block of text, which hinders readability. The use of cohesive devices is quite basic, relying on simple transitions like 'next step' and 'for the following step'. There is a lack of variety in linking words, and the flow between sentences feels somewhat mechanical. To improve, use a wider range of cohesive devices and ensure you use clear paragraph breaks to separate the introduction, the body of the process, and the conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for describing the process but lacks the precision and range expected at higher bands. Phrases like 'our first job' and 'we would need to' are overly informal and conversational for an academic report. There is also some repetition of basic verbs such as 'use' and 'produce'. While the terminology related to the process (e.g., 'recycling centers', 'plastic pellets', 'raw material') is relevant, the overall lexical range is limited. To improve, incorporate more precise academic vocabulary and avoid personal pronouns like 'we' or 'our'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. There is a lack of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice, which is essential for describing a process. Punctuation is inconsistent, with several run-on sentences and missing commas, such as in the phrase 'bottles the first stage'. Additionally, there are minor errors in word formation, such as 'form' instead of 'from'. To improve, focus on using the passive voice to describe the steps (e.g., 'bottles are collected') and work on sentence variety by combining simple sentences into more complex ones using relative clauses or conjunctions.

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

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