Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-02
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 picture illustrates the process of recycling plastic bottles.
Overall , plastic bottles are used for adding liquids .Firstly plastic bottles are used by everyone then thrown into the recycling bin . After throwing into the bin there are local cars that carries trash . Cars came across and carried the bin along with them . The cars took all the plastic bottles from the city . However, bottles were brought into the specific place where the bottles are separated which are in use .
Whereas, different types of machineries were used for compressing the bottles into the blocks . The next step includes crushing. Sharp tools are used for crushing the plastic bottles . Then all the plastics are washed into the water . In case of , producing raw materials firstly plastic pellets are produced from washed plastics then the pellets are heated . Lastly raw materials are formed . However raw materials are used for producing different types of products like pencils bag
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| 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, but the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks a clear overview of the entire cycle. While you identified the key steps, the explanation of the process is occasionally inaccurate (e.g., 'local cars that carries trash' is not a standard description for collection vehicles). To improve, ensure you provide a more professional summary of the process flow rather than narrating it as a story. The final sentence is incomplete ('pencils bag'), which leaves the task partially unfinished. Focus on describing the transformation of materials more precisely to meet the requirements of a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or slightly unnatural, such as the repetitive use of 'However' and 'Then'. The transition between the collection phase and the processing phase is abrupt. To improve, try to use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to show the relationship between the stages, such as 'subsequently', 'following this', or 'once the bottles have been processed'. Improving the flow between sentences will help create a more cohesive and professional report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but remains quite basic. You rely on simple verbs like 'used', 'carried', and 'brought'. There is an attempt to use some process-specific vocabulary like 'compressing', 'crushing', and 'pellets', which is good. However, there are some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'local cars' instead of 'collection vehicles' or 'specific place' instead of 'recycling facility'. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise, academic terminology related to industrial processes and manufacturing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'local cars that carries'), incorrect tense usage (e.g., 'Cars came across'), and punctuation errors. Some sentences are also phrased awkwardly, such as 'In case of , producing raw materials'. While the meaning is generally clear, these errors occur frequently enough to impact the overall fluency of the text. Focusing on consistent verb tenses and proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement will significantly improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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