Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The diagram express how plastic is recycled in step by step guide. At first we have to recycle plastic not to waste it . As shown in the first diagram we have to throw plastic waste i garbage drum. Then the truck that collect waste material can come and shifts the plastic to recycle center . The worker there separate the plastic that would be recycled . Then the machine compress it into blocks. The next process is to crush the blocks into pieces to wash them clearly. Next machine makes small plastic pellets . After this the pellets were heated to form raw material and this helps to make shapes more easily . The main game begins hare . Factories make different and creative designs from plastic like bottles ,3D designs ,toys etc. plastic

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While the student identifies the main stages of the recycling process, the description is overly simplistic and lacks the analytical depth required for an Academic Task 1 response. The summary does not effectively highlight the key features or make meaningful comparisons. Furthermore, the inclusion of informal language like 'The main game begins here' is inappropriate for an academic report. To improve, the student must provide a more detailed, objective description of each stage and ensure the response meets the length requirement to allow for full development of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is written as a single paragraph, which lacks the structural organisation expected in an IELTS report. While there is a basic chronological sequence using transition words like 'At first', 'Then', and 'Next', the flow is somewhat mechanical. The referencing is occasionally unclear, and the lack of paragraphing makes the text feel like a list of steps rather than a cohesive summary. To improve, the student should group related stages into distinct paragraphs—for example, collection, processing, and manufacturing—and use a wider variety of cohesive devices to link ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic verbs such as 'make', 'throw', and 'come'. There are instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'shifts the plastic to recycle center' and 'The main game begins here', which are not suitable for an academic context. While the student manages to convey the basic meaning, there is a lack of precision and a failure to use topic-specific vocabulary related to industrial processes (e.g., 'sorting', 'granulation', 'extrusion'). Expanding the range of vocabulary to include more sophisticated, process-oriented terms is essential for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains several grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the writing. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'truck that collect', 'machine compress'), article usage (e.g., 'in garbage drum'), and tense consistency (e.g., 'the pellets were heated'). The sentence structures are predominantly simple, with very few attempts at complex sentences. To improve, the student should focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and article usage, and then work on incorporating complex structures, such as passive voice constructions, which are highly appropriate for describing industrial processes.

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.