Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-14
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 diagram illustrates the process for recycling plastic bottles by passing the bottles through a step by step process.
Overall, the flowchart describes the recycling phenomenon in nine different steps from the separation of bottles from waste to compression, then crushing to produce pellets which in turn transform into raw material and in the production of useful materials at the final stage of recycling.
The first step is the dumping of waste in dustbin which is followed by the transport of waste towards the recycling center that is the second step of recycling in which plastic material is separated from the waste.
In fourth step, the plastic bottles are compressed in large blocks by arranging them. The fifth step involves the crushing of bottles by using specific cutting tools which are then washed and passed on to next step by which the plastic pellets are manufactured which are lightweight and durable and easy to clean. Then the heat is given to pellets by using flame which forms the long bundles of raw material. The last step is the manufacturing of useful products in which fiber, stationary, plastic bags and cans are produced which can be used for different purposes in daily life.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The student successfully addresses the main features of the diagram illustrating the recycling process of plastic bottles. The overview is clear and outlines the primary stages from waste separation to the final manufacturing of products. Key steps such as compression, crushing, washing, pelletising, and melting into raw materials are reported. However, there are some minor inaccuracies and omissions in the sequential detailing, such as skipping a direct mention of sorting into colors or missing some fine details depicted in the graphic. Nevertheless, all parts of the task are addressed adequately, and a general overview is presented. Therefore, a band score of 6.0 is appropriate as it covers the requirements adequately, though some stages are slightly under-developed or imprecise.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response maintains a coherent overall arrangement and attempts to sequence ideas logically using transitional phrases like 'The first step', 'In fourth step', and 'The last step'. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical and awkward, as seen in repetitive phrases and missing articles ('In fourth step', 'Then the heat is given'). Paragraphing is attempted, though the body of the text is somewhat clumped into a single large paragraph rather than broken down logically by the stages of the process. Referencing and logical progression are occasionally strained due to clunky transitions. Based on these features, the response aligns well with the Band 6 descriptors for cohesion and paragraph structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a process, incorporating terms such as 'compression', 'crushing', 'pellets', and 'raw material'. However, there are noticeable lexical inaccuracies and awkward word choices, such as 'recycling phenomenon' instead of 'recycling process', and 'Then the heat is given to pellets by using flame' rather than 'The pellets are heated'. Spelling is generally acceptable, but word formation and collocation errors occur throughout the text (e.g., 'in dustbin', 'to next step'). These errors do not impede overall communication, but they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. A score of 6.0 reflects an adequate range with some recurring inaccuracies.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilising relative clauses ('which are lightweight and durable') and passive voice constructions ('plastic bottles are compressed'). However, grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. There are several missing articles and prepositions (e.g., 'in dustbin', 'In fourth step', 'to next step'), and some clumsy phrasing like 'which are then washed and passed on to next step by which the plastic pellets are manufactured'. Despite these errors, the meaning remains mostly clear and communication is not seriously impeded. The control of grammar and punctuation places this response firmly at Band 6, reflecting a mix of error-free structures and recurring mechanical mistakes.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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