Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-28
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 given process chart illustrates the process for recycling plastic bottles. The given process chart involves 9 steps Firstly, the garbbage is thrown into the bin , then are transported to the recycling centre for the process of sorting by trucks then the garrbage is compressed into blocks then the garrbage is crushed for the process of washing after this the plastic pellets are produced, then the raw material is packed to produce the end products.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, reaching only 76 words. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. While the student identifies the main stages of the recycling process, the description is overly simplistic and lacks the necessary detail and comparative analysis required for an Academic Task 1 response. The summary does not adequately cover the entire process shown in the diagram, and the lack of length prevents a full development of the information. To improve, the student must provide a more comprehensive overview, include specific details from all stages, and ensure the response meets the minimum length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is written as a single, run-on paragraph, which makes it difficult to follow. The use of cohesive devices is extremely repetitive, relying almost exclusively on the word 'then' to link ideas. There is no clear logical progression or paragraphing structure. To improve, the student should use a wider variety of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'once the process is complete') and organize the information into logical paragraphs, such as an introduction, a body paragraph for the initial stages, and a body paragraph for the final stages.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is very limited and repetitive. The student uses the word 'garrbage' (spelled incorrectly) multiple times and relies on basic verbs like 'thrown', 'transported', and 'packed'. There is no attempt to use more sophisticated or topic-specific vocabulary related to industrial processes. Spelling errors, such as 'garbbage' and 'garrbage', are also present. To improve, the student should aim to use more precise terminology related to recycling, such as 'collection', 'sorting facility', 'compaction', and 'raw materials', while also ensuring accurate spelling.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The grammatical range is very limited, consisting primarily of simple sentence structures. The response suffers from significant punctuation issues, specifically the lack of full stops, which results in a long, rambling sentence. There are also errors in subject-verb agreement and article usage (e.g., 'the garbbage is thrown... then are transported'). The lack of complex sentence structures prevents the student from demonstrating a higher level of grammatical control. To improve, the student must focus on using correct punctuation to separate sentences and attempt to incorporate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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