Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-31
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 given process illustrates how plastic bottles are recycled. It is clear representation.
overall, the process involves nine steps which commencing with collecting used bottles and culminating at production of products from bottles.
Firstly, the plastic bottles are collected in seperate dustbin afterwhich it is transported to recycling centre by using big garbage trucks. In the Recycling centre, worker seperate the plastic bottles from other garbage. Before crushing the plastic bottles these are compressed into square share blocks with the assist of compressing machines. when these blocks are break-down into small pieces then these pieces are washed with water to remove dust particles.
In the subsequent steps, once the plastic pieces is washed in water it is sent for making pillets from those pieces by using machines to form raw material these pillets are heated at high temperature so the raw material is used for producing different products such as recycled hand bag, t-shirts and recycled plastic 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 | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final production of goods. However, the overview is somewhat simplistic and lacks a clear summary of the most significant features or trends. While the steps are identified, the description of the process is a bit mechanical and lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. For instance, the transition between the washing phase and the pelletizing phase is described, but the connection between the raw material and the final products could be more explicitly linked to the diagram's flow. To improve, ensure the overview highlights the cyclical nature or the key transformation points more effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In the subsequent steps', and 'afterwhich' are used to link ideas. However, some of these devices are used mechanically or incorrectly (e.g., 'afterwhich' should be 'after which'). The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the use of 'these' and 'it' without precise antecedents, which makes some sentences feel slightly disjointed. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words and ensuring clear pronoun reference would enhance the flow of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, covering the necessary technical steps like 'recycling centre', 'compressing', and 'raw material'. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and spelling errors, such as 'seperate' (separate), 'pillets' (pellets), and 'square share blocks' (square-shaped blocks). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to industrial processes and ensure accurate spelling of key technical terms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the process involves nine steps which commencing', 'plastic pieces is washed') and article usage. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing commas in complex sentences. These errors occur frequently enough to occasionally distract the reader. Focusing on consistent subject-verb agreement and refining the use of complex sentence structures will significantly improve the accuracy and sophistication of your writing.
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