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)
The clear diagram depicts that a recycling process of plastic bottles from the industry. Which included by the several stages that includes the entire process to get a final products from the scratch.
Overall, collected trash cans transported to recycling centre then bottles will be crushed and converted into pellets after that it will reformed into raw material to get a useful product.
Firstly, at stage 1 Plastic bottles collected directly from the trash bin then it will be transported to recycling centre by a massive truck there it will be sorted by condition of the bottle grading, in the step 4 it will be compressed and crushed after finishing cleaning process it reaches to a advanced producing plastic pellets machine.
Secondly, the produced pellets will be heated to reform as a raw material and it reaches final stage of final product. Such as, Carry bags, Cloths, Stationary items, plastic boxes and Bottles.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| 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 final items. However, the overview is somewhat weak, as it does not clearly highlight the cyclical or transformative nature of the process. While the key steps are identified, the description of the stages is occasionally repetitive and lacks the precision required for a higher band. For instance, the transition between 'compressed and crushed' and the 'cleaning process' is slightly muddled. To improve, ensure that the overview synthesizes the process more effectively rather than just listing steps, and focus on providing a more logical flow of the transformation stages.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'Which included by the several stages' and 'Such as, Carry bags' are grammatically incorrect and disrupt the flow. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly in the second paragraph where the sequence of events feels disjointed. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'once the process is complete') and ensure that each sentence logically follows the previous one without relying on repetitive structures.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the sophistication expected for higher bands. There are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'reformed into raw material' and 'advanced producing plastic pellets machine'. The range of vocabulary is limited, and the student relies on basic descriptors. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more precise technical terminology related to industrial processes, such as 'granulated', 'extruded', or 'reprocessed', and ensure that word forms are used correctly in context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with sentence fragments ('Which included by the several stages...'), subject-verb agreement ('bottles will be crushed... then it will reformed'), and incorrect preposition usage. The sentence structures are mostly simple or contain errors when attempting complexity. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly the use of passive voice, which is essential for process descriptions. Ensure that subjects and verbs agree and that punctuation is used correctly to separate distinct ideas.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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