Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.0 · 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 4.0)
The given process chart illustrates the process of recycling plastic bottles in 9 steps which we are going to discuss in upcoming paragraph:
During the first step, the garbage is thrown into the dump yard then the garbage is transported to the truck to send to the recycling centre the process is termed as sorting after the process of sorting then the garbage is compressed into blocks then the garbage crushed for the process of washing then plastic pellets are produced the pellets are heated to form raw material.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.0 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, reaching only 89 words. Consequently, the response is significantly underdeveloped. While the student attempts to describe the process, the summary is incomplete and lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the stages shown in the diagram. The response fails to provide an overview or highlight key features, which is essential for a Task 1 response. Due to the severe under-length and lack of comprehensive coverage of the process, the task is only partially addressed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0
The response is written as a single, run-on paragraph, which makes it difficult to follow. There is a lack of logical progression or paragraphing. Cohesive devices are either missing or used incorrectly, such as the repetitive use of 'then' to connect ideas. The sentence structure is fragmented, and the lack of punctuation makes the text difficult to read. The overall arrangement is not coherent, as the ideas are presented in a list-like fashion without clear transitions between the stages of the recycling process.
Lexical Resource — Band 4.0
The vocabulary is basic and repetitive. Words like 'garbage' are used repeatedly, and the student struggles to use more precise terminology related to industrial processes (e.g., 'dump yard' instead of 'collection site' or 'landfill'). There is no attempt to use less common or academic vocabulary. The range is very limited, and the lack of variety in word choice hinders the ability to describe the process with any degree of precision or sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0
The response contains significant grammatical errors, particularly regarding sentence structure and punctuation. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the existing sentences are often run-on or grammatically incomplete. For example, 'the process is termed as sorting after the process of sorting then the garbage is compressed' is poorly constructed and lacks proper punctuation. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and article usage. The frequent errors and lack of structural variety significantly impede the clarity of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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