Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-21
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 given process illustrate recycling plastic bottels. It contains nine steps. It commences with throwing plastic bottle into bin and culminates with producing and products.
A cursory glance at the process is adeplate enough to reveal that firstly the wasted bottels are thrown into bin after throwing into bin the garbage truk collect the grabagl and botteles are seprated from other grabage then the bottels are compresed into blocks and then crushed with the help of crusher and the matrial that came out from the machine that is washed properly.
Further looking at the process after washing the material the matrial is sent to produce plastic pellets. when the pellets are ready they are heaten to form raw material. After heating the raw material is ready to make goods. Lastly with the help of raw material bottles, tiffins, Pencils and plastic bags are form to use and sell in the marking again.
Overall, each and every step is crucial omission of any step can halt the whole process. By doing this process of recycling plastic bottles we can contribute to environment.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final production of new goods. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview of the process as a whole. While the student identifies the nine steps, the summary lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. The conclusion is slightly off-topic, as it focuses on environmental benefits rather than summarizing the process itself. To improve, the student should focus on grouping the stages logically (e.g., collection, processing, and manufacturing) rather than simply listing them sequentially.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is repetitive and sometimes mechanical, such as the frequent use of 'after' and 'then'. The transition between sentences is often abrupt, and the referencing is occasionally unclear. For example, the phrase 'the matrial that came out from the machine that is washed properly' is clunky and lacks smooth flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would significantly enhance the coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and contains numerous spelling errors, such as 'bottels', 'adeplate', 'grabagl', 'seprated', 'compresed', 'matrial', and 'heaten'. These errors are frequent and occasionally distract the reader, though the meaning remains generally clear. The range of vocabulary is basic, relying on simple verbs like 'thrown', 'collect', and 'make'. To reach a higher band, the student needs to demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary related to industrial processes and improve spelling accuracy. Using more precise terms like 'sorted', 'shredded', or 'manufactured' would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. While there are attempts at complex sentences, they are often marred by grammatical errors, such as 'The given process illustrate' (subject-verb agreement) and 'bottles, tiffins, Pencils and plastic bags are form to use' (passive voice error). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with a lack of commas to separate clauses, making some sentences difficult to parse. The frequent grammatical slips indicate a lack of control over complex structures. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct formation of passive voice would help improve the accuracy of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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