Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-23
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 processed diagram shows the recycling process of plastic bottles.
The process contains nine steps in linear way the process starts from collecting the plastic bottles from the dump bin to all over the construction of new products .
The first step is to collect the bottles from the garbage bin and then moved it to the recycling center for sorting the items collected by the sanatory truck . Then after the sorting all processed stuff is converted into in compressed block , from there the next process started where the compressed blocked moved toward the shredding process where the machine shredded the block and collect it into a container for washing the stuff after that process the shredded substance moved to producing plastic pellets machine the output is heated pellets to form raw materials ,where in next strep the raw material in used to produce the use full products such as bottles, cloths ,bags ,pencils , containers .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of new items. However, the overview is somewhat weak, as it merely states the number of steps rather than highlighting the key stages or the cyclical nature of the process. While the main features are reported, the description is a bit repetitive and lacks a clear, professional summary of the transformation. To improve, ensure the overview synthesizes the process more effectively and avoid listing every minor detail as a separate step, focusing instead on the logical progression of the transformation from waste to raw material.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, but the internal structure is quite mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is repetitive, with phrases like 'then after' and 'from there' appearing frequently, which makes the flow feel somewhat disjointed. The paragraphing is also unbalanced, with a very short introduction and a single, dense paragraph for the entire process description. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that the progression of ideas is smoother, perhaps by grouping the stages of the process into logical phases (e.g., collection, processing, and manufacturing).
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and sophistication. There are several awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'sanatory truck' (likely meaning 'sanitation' or 'garbage truck'), 'processed stuff', and 'use full products'. The range of vocabulary is limited, relying on basic terms like 'stuff' and 'things' rather than more precise technical terminology related to industrial processes. To improve, focus on using more academic and specific vocabulary, such as 'raw materials', 'recycled components', or 'manufacturing phase', and avoid informal or vague language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect verb tenses ('moved it', 'process started'), missing articles, and awkward phrasing ('in linear way', 'in compressed block'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with several run-on sentences that make the text difficult to follow. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing processes. Proofreading for basic sentence structure and article usage will significantly enhance the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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