Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-11

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 illustrates the method of recycling plastic bottles.

Overall, it can give us a clear knowledge of the process and product from plastic recycling. In the first three steps illustrate the way of taking away and sorting the plastics which gathered from the bin.

Meanwhile, step no four to seven show the processing of the plastics. Last but not the least, eight and nine no steps give the output of the plastic recycling.

Firstly, for re-use, collecting plastics and taking away to the place where it can be sorted. After sorting, compressing them into a block and for further proccessing, use the method crushing and washing.

In addition, it can produce plastic pellets and then heating pellets to material.

However, after a long process, it can be found in a raw material. From this raw materials, workers produce and product for reuseable products such as water bottle, pen, bag, boxes and so on.

AI examiner evaluation

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 beginning, middle, and end, the explanation of the steps lacks detail and precision. For instance, the transition from 'heating pellets' to 'raw material' is unclear, and the description of the final products is a bit vague. To improve, ensure you clearly describe each stage of the diagram rather than just grouping them by number. The overview provided is functional but could be more analytical by highlighting the transformation of the material more effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'In the first three steps', 'Meanwhile', 'In addition'). Some sentences are disjointed, such as 'Last but not the least, eight and nine no steps give the output', which makes the flow feel unnatural. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence logically follows the previous one would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several awkward phrasings, such as 'give us a clear knowledge' and 'taking away to the place'. Additionally, there are minor errors in word formation and collocation, such as 'reuseable products' (reusable) and 'proccessing' (spelling). To reach a higher band, try to use more specific terminology related to industrial processes, such as 'shredded', 'converted', or 'manufactured', and ensure your word choices are more natural and accurate.

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. Examples include 'In the first three steps illustrate the way' (missing subject or incorrect verb form) and 'eight and nine no steps' (awkward word order). There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors limits the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and sentence structure will help improve your accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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