Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-27
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)
writing
Task 1
The diagram highlights the process for recycling plastic bottles. It includes seven 9 steps in all.
Overall, it is apparent that the process commerce with the step of collecting the plastic bottle. Further step is transporting it and sorting and separating plastic bottles. The most crucial step is compressing into blocks and crushing it. At the last stage after producing pellets raw material is formed by heating pellets. In addition to this, products are formed.
Intially, in this modern era it has become possible to produce new products by recycling plastic waste. The process involve numerous imperative steps. Firstly, The citizens throw these bottles in garbage bins. After that it is transported to recycling centre when the waste bottle is separated.
Additionally, at the fourth stage bottles are compressed into blocks. To make is usable for raw material bottles are crushed by machines. Later in the sixth stage plastic pellets are produced.
Nevertheless, these plastic pellets go through heating process to convert into raw material. At the end of the process the raw material is used for producing and products.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of new items. However, the overview is somewhat disjointed, and the description of the process is repetitive. While the key features are identified, the response lacks a clear, integrated summary of the entire cycle. The inclusion of irrelevant introductory commentary, such as 'in this modern era', detracts from the academic tone required for Task 1. To improve, focus on a more concise, objective description of the steps without adding personal or general observations.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by awkward transitions and repetitive phrasing. For example, the use of 'Further step', 'In addition to this', and 'Nevertheless' feels mechanical and sometimes misused. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the final paragraph where 'producing and products' is grammatically confusing. While the reader can follow the general sequence of the process, the lack of smooth, natural cohesive devices makes the flow feel disjointed. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words would significantly enhance the clarity of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several instances of awkward word choice, such as 'process commerce' (likely meant 'commences') and 'imperative steps', which do not fit the context of a technical process description. Some phrasing is repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'bottles' and 'process'. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the range of vocabulary is limited, and there are errors in collocation that prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Using more specific technical terms related to manufacturing would be beneficial.
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 the flow. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('The process involve'), incorrect article usage ('to recycling centre'), and awkward phrasing ('To make is usable'). Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence construction is often clunky. To improve, the student should focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring that complex sentences are constructed accurately. Reducing the number of minor errors would help the reader focus on the content rather than the grammatical slips.
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