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 given man-made process chart represents the information about how plastic bottles are recycled .
Overall it is crystal clear that there are exactly 9 steps to complete the process . To commence with collecting of plastic bottles and in last step for making new products by recycling plastic
At the glance people through the garbage in dustbin . Then garbage collect the plastic from different place . After that plastic bottles are sorted as separate the recycled and non recycled bottle . In the next step these bottles are compressed into blocks by using the machines . Then these block are crushed into small pieces for easy recycling . Small piece of lactic dipped into water for cleaning plastic .
Moving ahead , in next stage piece of plastic into machine for producing plastic pellets . In next step pellets are heated to form raw material . In penultimate step raw material used for making new products . In ultimate step new products produced by recycling method are ready for marketing .
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 mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While the prompt asks for a summary of the main features, the response reads more like a list of steps rather than a cohesive report. The inclusion of '9 steps' is a good attempt at an overview, but the development of the stages is slightly repetitive. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the most significant aspects of the process, such as the transformation from waste to raw material, rather than just listing every individual action.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by awkward phrasing and repetitive transitions. Phrases like 'In the next step', 'Then', and 'In next stage' are used mechanically, which makes the progression feel somewhat stilted. While there is an attempt to use cohesive devices, they are often used inaccurately or in a way that does not enhance the flow of ideas. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the connection between sentences could be smoother. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they are used to connect ideas logically, rather than just marking time, would significantly improve the coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. There are several instances of awkward word choice, such as 'lactic' (likely meant 'plastic') and 'people through the garbage' (should be 'throw'). The repetition of basic terms like 'plastic', 'bottles', and 'process' limits the lexical range. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to industrial processes, such as 'shredded', 'processed', 'converted', or 'manufactured', 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 article usage ('the garbage', 'the plastic'), subject-verb agreement ('garbage collect'), and sentence structure (e.g., 'To commence with collecting of plastic bottles and in last step for making new products'). The range of structures is limited, relying mostly on simple sentences. There are also missing prepositions and incorrect verb forms throughout. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, including correct subject-verb-object patterns, and proofreading for common errors like missing articles and incorrect verb tenses.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.