Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-26

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 provided process illustrates that how plastic bottles can be recycle and how products are made by plastic

from the overall perspective,it is clear that there is a nine steps which is commence with storing and transporting the use bottles and ends with producing of products.it is a continous process

moving onto details,in the first step,bottles which is used by consumers throw into dustbin after that all garbage is transported by lorry or truck .in the third step , bottles are stored by recycling centre then-after all bottles are compressing into blocks subsequently, crushing all the compressed blocks and washing it in the next phase plastic pellets are produced by a machine however, heat the pallets to form raw material in second last step,raw material ready for producing a products .all the raw material setting in blocks wise like a book storage eventually,products are ready for marketing in the shops like bottles, boxes,plastic bags,pencils and t-shirts

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final product. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview of the transformation process. While the main features are identified, the explanation of certain steps, such as the transition from raw material to finished products, is slightly underdeveloped. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the cyclical nature of the process more effectively and provides a more cohesive summary of the key stages rather than just listing them sequentially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organised into paragraphs, but the flow between sentences is often disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes repetitive or misused, such as 'then-after' and 'in the third step'. The punctuation is inconsistent, with missing spaces after commas and periods, which hinders the readability of the text. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas more naturally and ensure that paragraphing is used to group related information logically.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'blocks wise' and 'use bottles' (instead of 'used bottles'). The range of vocabulary is limited, and the student relies on simple verbs like 'throw' and 'made'. To improve, incorporate more precise terminology related to industrial processes, such as 'processed', 'manufactured', 'converted', or 'reconstituted', and pay closer attention to word forms and collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'there is a nine steps'), article usage, and passive voice construction (e.g., 'bottles which is used'). Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences are often marred by errors in punctuation and syntax. To improve, focus on mastering the passive voice, which is essential for describing processes, and ensure consistent use of articles and pluralisation.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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