Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-03
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 illustrates that how products is manufactured through recycling waste.
Overall, the process consists of three main steps, beginning with separating recycling bottles then crushing into tiny particles and ending with production from raw material.
First of all, plastic bottles are carried by recycling truck from bin .After that, these reusable products are transferred to recycling centre where bottles are separating from other waste by the process of sorting. In the next step, these seperated recycled waste are passed through compressor in order to compact them into make blocks. Consequently, the process of crushing begins. A water tank is placed to washed the crushing particles before being producing plastic pellets.
In the following step plastic pellets are produced. Once this stage is completed these tiny particles are heated to prepare raw material. After roasting the pellets raw material is then passed to container. Finally, this is the last producer to produce final new products
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 production of new items. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview of the entire cycle. While the main features are identified, the explanation of certain steps, such as the transition from 'crushing' to 'washing' and 'pellet production', is slightly confusing. To improve, ensure that the relationship between the stages is more clearly articulated and that the summary provides a more cohesive picture of the transformation process rather than just a list of actions.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. Cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'After that', and 'In the following step' are used to link ideas. However, some transitions feel repetitive or slightly unnatural, such as 'Consequently, the process of crushing begins'. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when referring to 'these' or 'this' without a precise antecedent. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence flows logically into the next would enhance the overall coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'recycling centre', 'compressor', and 'raw material' used correctly. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'recycling bottles' instead of 'recyclable bottles', 'producer' used instead of 'stage' or 'phase', and 'to washed' instead of 'to wash'. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic verbs and nouns. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology related to industrial processes and ensure correct word forms are used.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'illustrates that how products is manufactured' (incorrect clause structure and subject-verb agreement), 'bottles are separating' (incorrect passive voice), and 'to make blocks' (should be 'to form blocks'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing commas and incorrect spacing around periods. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and passive voice construction is recommended.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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