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)
The given diagram illustrates the procedure for recycling the plastic bottles
Overall , this is a linear process of reprocess of plastic containers . It replaces by a new product that can be sale into a super market .
Firstly the bottles are collect into a dustbin , then it transport into a recycling center ,after this process it breaks into a small parts, afterwards it compress into a small blocks and crush into a small particles and wash into a container ,later it is filter by the machine and produce a plastic pellets , thereafter plastic pellets melts and form a raw material , following that raw material is bundle , subsequently with the help of raw material new product is produce like plastic containers , T-shirts , pencils and begs and following that it is transport into a supermarket and sell to a local shops after that they sell them to the customer .
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 provides a basic overview of the recycling process, but it lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. While it identifies the main stages, it fails to group information logically or highlight key features effectively. The description is essentially a list of steps rather than a summary of the process. Furthermore, the introduction is weak, and the conclusion is missing. To improve, you should aim to group the stages (e.g., collection, processing, and manufacturing) and provide a more professional overview of the entire cycle rather than just listing actions sequentially.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organized as a single, very long paragraph, which makes it difficult to read. While there is a basic chronological progression, the use of cohesive devices is repetitive and mechanical. Phrases like 'then', 'after this', 'afterwards', 'later', and 'following that' are used excessively, creating a monotonous flow. To improve, you should use paragraphing to separate the different stages of the process and vary your linking words to create a more sophisticated and natural progression of ideas.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and often inaccurate. There are several errors in word choice and form, such as 'reprocess' instead of 'reprocessing', 'collect' instead of 'collected', and 'begs' instead of 'bags'. The range of vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive, relying on simple verbs like 'breaks', 'crush', and 'wash'. To achieve a higher score, you need to use more precise, academic terminology related to industrial processes, such as 'shredded', 'compressed', 'granulated', and 'manufactured'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'bottles are collect', 'it transport', 'it breaks') and article usage. The sentence structures are mostly simple or run-on sentences joined by commas, lacking the complex structures expected at higher levels. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing capital letters and incorrect spacing. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for subject-verb agreement would significantly improve the quality of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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