Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-01
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 process diagram presents the method for how the bottles can recycle. Overall, the individuals trash the bottles after use it in nearby bin than it collect by sanitation worker for futher processing.It passes through almost 8 to 9 stages of recycling for dispatch.
In the initial stage, every person waste the bottle after utilize than it picked up by refuse collector after that the bottles transmit to recycling center for sorting among glass and plastic bottles. In the fourth level, all plastic material has compacted into sqaure shape blocks then passed through grinding and washing phase.
In the sixth step, all washed materials experience by a machine where the plastic pelletes are generated and this pelletes has undergoes in the heating by basic material. In the final phase of recycling, the factory introduced plastic boxes, bottles, shopping bags from waste substances and at this part the products are ready for tranfered to market.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| 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 new items. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While the main features are identified, the explanation of the process is occasionally imprecise, such as the mention of '8 to 9 stages' which is not clearly supported by the diagram. The summary of the process is functional but lacks the professional tone required for an Academic Task 1 report. To improve, focus on grouping the stages more logically and ensuring the overview highlights the transformation from waste to raw material more clearly.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is divided into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'than it collect' and 'after that the bottles transmit'. The logical progression is sometimes hindered by awkward phrasing and run-on sentences. Referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to track the subject of the sentences. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'as a result') would significantly enhance the flow and coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'trash', 'waste', and 'material'. There are several instances of incorrect word choice and collocation, such as 'individuals trash the bottles' (instead of 'dispose of') and 'the factory introduced plastic boxes' (instead of 'manufactures'). Spelling errors like 'sqaure', 'pelletes', and 'tranfered' also occur. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise, process-oriented vocabulary such as 'sorted', 'compacted', 'processed', 'manufactured', and 'raw materials' to describe the stages of the diagram accurately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are consistent issues with verb tense and subject-verb agreement, such as 'how the bottles can recycle' (should be 'can be recycled') and 'this pelletes has undergoes' (should be 'these pellets undergo'). Sentence structures are generally simple, and attempts at more complex structures often result in errors. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly regarding spacing after commas and periods. Focusing on basic sentence construction and ensuring correct passive voice usage—which is essential for process descriptions—will help improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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