Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-05
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 bellow diagram illustrates the strategy about recycling plastic bottles in specific times.
There are actually 9 steps to recycle plastic bottles from taking the in the recycling bin then turn them into recycle product.
Actually, the fact that there are many things and steps to recycle plastics but they are shorten for a better overall viewing. After taking them from the bin take them into the big lorry to take them to the recycling central, at there are two type of ways: recyclable plastics and non-recyclable ones, the employers have to sort them in . then, they will be pressed and formed to a whole blocks full of plastics.
After that, they will be easier to crushing into many small species which will be washed to reduce the dirt on the species, but they will be producing into pellets which is very important to heat them and form them into some raw material so they can producing some recycle products we use today.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, but the description is somewhat superficial. While you identify the key steps, such as collection, sorting, and processing, the explanation lacks precision. For example, you mention 'two type of ways' for sorting, but the diagram likely implies a binary classification (recyclable vs. non-recyclable) that could be described more clearly. The overview is also slightly informal ('Actually, the fact that there are many things...'). To improve, focus on describing the flow of the process more objectively and ensure all key features shown in the diagram are clearly linked to the final output.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organized into a logical sequence, following the steps of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'After that' and 'then' are used frequently, which limits the flow of the text. Paragraphing is also insufficient; the entire response is presented as a single block of text, which makes it harder to read. To reach a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'once the process is complete') and group related stages into distinct paragraphs.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate to convey the basic meaning, but it lacks the precision required for an academic report. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'shorten' instead of 'simplified', 'species' instead of 'pieces' or 'fragments', and 'producing into' instead of 'processed into'. These errors occasionally make the text sound unnatural. To improve, focus on using more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'shredded', 'compressed', 'granulated', or 'raw materials', and ensure that word forms are used correctly in context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('they can producing'), incorrect prepositions ('at there are'), and awkward phrasing ('the bellow diagram'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some sentences being run-on or missing necessary commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence construction and proofreading for basic errors will significantly improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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