Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-22
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 following diagram illustrates the never ending recycling process of plastic bottles.
Overall, the recycling process of plastic bottles involves several steps including physical labour as well as usage of different types of machinery.
First and foremost, plastic wastes are thrown into the garbage bin by the people. The second step involves collection of plastic bottles by using garbage trucks all around the area. After this step, the bottles are checked by workers if they can used for recycling or not . After the filtering the bottles, they are compressed into blockes by using a crusher to redure their size. The compressed bottles are grinded by a grinder to convert them into tiny particles of plastic. The next step involves pouring those tiny particles of plastic in the water for washing.
Subsequently, those tiny particles are heated to convert them into raw materails. The final step involves conversion of those raw materails into plastics as well as other products and this process continues indefinitely.
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 identifies and outlines the main stages of the recycling process shown in the diagram, beginning with the collection of plastic bottles and ending with the production of end products that feed back into the cycle. Key stages such as sorting, compressing, crushing, washing, and heating are mentioned in sequence. However, there are minor inaccuracies in the interpretation of the mechanical steps, for instance stating that the bottles are compressed into blocks "by using a crusher to redure their size" and then "grinded by a grinder", whereas the diagram depicts distinct compressing and crushing/washing phases. Nevertheless, the main features are reported adequately, fulfilling the requirements for a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The text presents a coherent overall arrangement, following the chronological flow of the diagram from the initial collection stage through to final manufacturing. Paragraphing is used logically to separate the introduction, overview, and body details. Cohesive devices and sequence markers such as "First and foremost", "The second step", "After this step", and "Subsequently" are employed to guide the reader through the process. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive in structure (e.g., "After this step", "The next step"), and referencing is occasionally straightforward rather than sophisticated. This corresponds to a solid Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms related to the process such as "garbage trucks", "conveyor belt" (implied by filtering), "compressed", "particles", and "raw materials". There are some lexical and spelling errors, such as "redure" instead of "reduce", "blockes" instead of "blocks", and "grinded" instead of the more natural past participle "ground". While the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main points clearly, these inaccuracies prevent the score from reaching the next band, placing it firmly at Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as passive voice constructions ("plastic wastes are thrown", "the bottles are checked") which are appropriate for describing a scientific or industrial process. There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, including "if they can used for recycling" (missing auxiliary verb "be"), "After the filtering the bottles" (unnecessary article), and "pouring those tiny particles of plastic in the water" (preposition choice). Despite these errors, they do not impede overall communication, supporting a Band 6.0 score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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