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 image illustrates the how to recycling plastic bottles with nine different steps.

Overall, There are nine step to make non useable plastic bottle to useable. The storing and compressing into blocks process has do with hand so it's hard while crushing, washing, producing and heating processing can do machine.

In begin the step first don't through plastic bottle in dustbin , collect that bottles and reached with bus from recycling center. The process has rapidly start to storing the bottle. After that simply compressing into blocks and then crusting the bottle in step five.

Now in process five crusting the bottle properly by cutting machine moreover, washing this crusting. producing plastic pellets by miller. transfer Heating pellets to form raw materials, the raw materials ready to make new product.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the task. While the student attempts to describe the process, the summary is incomplete and lacks a clear overview of the key stages. The description of the steps is fragmented and lacks the necessary detail to explain the recycling process effectively. Furthermore, the response does not adequately compare the manual and mechanical aspects of the process, which was a key requirement. To improve, the student must ensure all steps are clearly described and the response meets the minimum length requirement to allow for a comprehensive summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay lacks a logical flow, and the paragraphing is ineffective, with the second paragraph being particularly disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and often misused, such as 'In begin the step first' and 'Now in process five', which makes the progression of ideas difficult to follow. The relationship between sentences is often unclear, and the lack of proper transitions between the stages of the recycling process hinders the overall coherence. To improve, the student should focus on using appropriate linking words to connect ideas and ensure each paragraph has a clear, singular focus.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'process', 'step', and 'make'. There are several instances of incorrect word choice and word formation, such as 'non useable', 'crusting' (instead of crushing), and 'miller' (instead of mill). These errors occasionally impede the reader's understanding of the specific stages of the recycling process. The student needs to expand their range of vocabulary to include more precise terms related to industrial processes and ensure correct word forms are used to convey meaning accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the writing. There are significant issues with sentence structure, such as 'The image illustrates the how to recycling plastic bottles' and 'The process has rapidly start to storing the bottle'. Subject-verb agreement and tense consistency are also problematic throughout the text. The range of structures is very limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences with errors in basic syntax. To improve, the student should focus on mastering basic sentence construction, including correct verb tenses and word order, before attempting more complex structures.

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