Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The described diagram reveals the process in which plastic bottles are recycled and renewed.
This method is completed in total nine steps. Firstly, the garbage is thrown in the garbage collector by the normal citizens of the society which is further taken to the recycling centre with the help of big trucks and then the plastic products are sorted manually in the next step, than the sorted plastic bottles are compressed with the help of machines and technology into blocks which is then crushed with the help of machines; Moreover, that crushed plastic is directly washed with water in big vessel, in the next step washed plastic particles are putted into the machines where plastic pellets are produced, afterwards, that plastic pellets are heated;Furthermore, heated pellets is ready as the raw material and finally from that raw material final products are made for the consumers.
Overall, the process of recycling the plastic is very complicated and long which needs the helps of both manual and machines or technologies.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| 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 final goods. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview of the process's nature. While the prompt asks for comparisons, the response focuses purely on sequential listing. The summary provided in the final paragraph is a bit generic. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the key transformation stages rather than just stating the process is 'long and complicated'. The response identifies the steps accurately but lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into three paragraphs, which is a logical structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is repetitive and sometimes mechanical. For instance, the second paragraph is essentially one long, run-on sentence connected by 'and', 'then', 'moreover', 'furthermore', and 'afterwards'. This creates a 'list-like' feel rather than a smooth flow of information. The use of punctuation is also problematic, as many clauses are joined by commas where full stops or semicolons would be more appropriate. Improving the variety of linking words and using more sophisticated paragraphing would enhance the coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There is a heavy reliance on basic terms like 'big', 'machines', and 'things'. Phrases such as 'normal citizens of the society' and 'putted into the machines' are either unnatural or grammatically incorrect. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to industrial processes, such as 'processed', 'converted', 'transformed', or 'raw materials'. The repetition of 'help of machines' suggests a limited range of vocabulary for describing industrial equipment.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of reading. There are issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'heated pellets is ready', and incorrect verb forms like 'putted'. The sentence structure is largely limited to simple or poorly connected compound sentences. The lack of proper punctuation, particularly the use of comma splices to join independent clauses, is a significant issue. To improve, focus on mastering complex sentence structures using relative clauses or passive voice, which is particularly appropriate for describing industrial processes, and ensure consistent subject-verb agreement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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