Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-07

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 given picture depicts the information about the process for recycling plastic vessels.it demonstrates various stages involved in how plastic bottles are recycled.

In overall, the whole process involved nine stages begin with used bottles found in dustbin. Then, sorting takes place and vessels are compressed into blocks. raw materials are prepared by crushing and heating of plastic pellets. In the end, the process is ending with raw materials distribute in two segments producing and products.

First and foremost, the used bottles by peoples found in dustbin are collected by transportation facility. Then collecting vessels are sorting in recycle centre. After that, bottles get compress into blocks and prepare for next stage crushing.

In addition, after crushing the raw materials are goes for washing. Then, plastic pellets are producing for the further stage heating of pellets to form raw material. In next stage raw material divided in two segments producing and products. After that, products are delivered in markets for consumers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final distribution of products. However, the overview is somewhat weak and lacks a clear summary of the most significant trends or the cyclical nature of the process. While all stages are mentioned, the description of the final stage is slightly confusing, as the text mentions 'raw materials distribute in two segments' without clearly explaining the transformation into new products. To improve, ensure the overview highlights the key phases (collection, processing, and manufacturing) more effectively and provides a more accurate summary of the final output.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive, with frequent use of 'Then' and 'After that' to start sentences. The logical flow is occasionally interrupted by awkward phrasing, such as 'In overall' (should be 'Overall') and the slightly disjointed transition between the crushing and washing stages. To reach a higher band, try to vary your linking words and ensure that the relationship between sentences is more fluid and less dependent on simple sequential markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety expected at higher levels. There are several instances of awkward word choice, such as 'plastic vessels' (bottles is more appropriate) and 'collecting vessels are sorting' (should be 'collected bottles are sorted'). The phrase 'raw materials distribute' is also grammatically and lexically imprecise. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, it does not demonstrate a wide range of topic-specific terminology or sophisticated collocations related to industrial processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'the whole process involved nine stages begin with' (should be 'beginning with'), 'used bottles by peoples' (should be 'used bottles by people'), and 'raw materials are goes for washing' (should be 'raw materials go for washing'). The sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. The errors in verb tense and subject-verb agreement are noticeable and persistent. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for subject-verb agreement would significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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