Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-22
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 step show in the diagram we throw the plastic bottels into dustbin. The second diagram show the govt cargo truck collect the plastic waste from dustbin to truck . The thrid diagram show there is a person who sort the wastage of plastic bottels put in correct box and other parts like is not related to plastic into other box. The four diagram show sorting plastic bottels compressing into blocks. The five box show compressing blocks crusing into small pieces and wash with water so the all dust and other parts are removed. The sixth diagram show the washing plastic bottels into production machine. The machine show the pieces convert into pellets. The seven diagram show which pieces convert into pellets now its going to heating area where pellets convert into in raw material. The next diagram show the raw material convert into pellets now its ready for next step. The last diagram show the raw material convert into different shape after that the process is same for recycling.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to describe the process but fails to provide a clear overview or identify the main features of the recycling cycle. The description is overly simplistic, focusing on a step-by-step list rather than synthesizing the information. There is no introduction or summary, and the response lacks a cohesive structure. The description of the stages is repetitive and lacks the necessary academic tone required for Task 1. To improve, you should group related stages together and provide a clear summary of the entire process in the introduction.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response lacks paragraphing, which is essential for organizing a process description. While there is a chronological sequence, the use of cohesive devices is extremely repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'The first diagram show', 'The second diagram show', 'The thrid diagram show'). This creates a list-like effect rather than a flowing report. There is a lack of variety in linking words, and the transition between stages is abrupt. To improve, use a wider range of cohesive devices such as 'subsequently', 'following this', and 'once the process is complete'.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is very limited and repetitive. Words like 'show', 'diagram', and 'bottels' (misspelled) are used excessively. There is little attempt to use academic or technical vocabulary related to industrial processes (e.g., 'sorting', 'compressing', 'pelletizing'). Spelling errors such as 'bottels', 'thrid', and 'crusing' are frequent and detract from the quality of the writing. To improve, focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary and proofreading for basic spelling mistakes.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The grammatical range is very limited, consisting mostly of simple, repetitive sentence structures. There are frequent errors in subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The first step show', 'The machine show') and article usage. The lack of complex sentence structures makes the writing feel disjointed. Punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, practice using complex sentences with relative clauses or passive voice, which is particularly appropriate for describing industrial processes (e.g., 'The plastic is then compressed into blocks').
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