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 given diagram illustrates the process for recycling plastic bottles:
This process involves total 9 steps which we will discuss in upcoming paragraph:
Firstly the waste products are thrown into the garbage, then are transported to recycling centre using trucks where the process of sorting takes place afterwards garbage is compressed into blocks subsequently garbage is crushed for the process of washing afterwards plastic pellets are produced, moving forward, pellets are heated to form raw material, subsequently raw material is packed therefore the end products for example T-shirts, pencils and polybags are produced.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, reaching only 93 words. This significantly impacts the task achievement as the description is far too brief to provide a comprehensive summary of the process. While the main steps are identified, the lack of detail and failure to reach the required length means the response is underdeveloped. To improve, you must expand on the description of each stage, provide more specific details from the diagram, and ensure the overview is more substantial.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is written as a single, long, run-on sentence rather than being structured into clear paragraphs. While some cohesive devices like 'firstly', 'subsequently', and 'afterwards' are used, they are employed in a repetitive and mechanical manner. The lack of proper punctuation, such as full stops to separate distinct stages of the process, makes the text difficult to follow. To improve, you should use clear paragraphing—typically an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs—and use a wider variety of linking words to connect ideas more naturally.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive. Words like 'garbage' and 'process' are used multiple times, which limits the range of expression. There is little attempt to use topic-specific vocabulary related to industrial recycling processes. To achieve a higher band score, you should incorporate more precise terminology, such as 'collection', 'sorting facility', 'shredded', 'granulated', or 'raw material processing'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help you avoid the repetitive phrasing currently present in your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response consists almost entirely of a single, long, comma-spliced sentence. This demonstrates a lack of control over sentence structure and punctuation. There is no evidence of complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice constructions, which are essential for describing a process. Furthermore, there are errors in article usage and sentence boundary marking. To improve, focus on using full stops to create distinct sentences and practice combining simple ideas into complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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