Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-25
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)
Plastic bottles are one of the most materials used in the world and re-cyclling is a really important subject to try to minimize the waste.
The given diagram illustrates how plastic is collected and converted into usable items.
Overall, they captured empty bottles from waste and then after sorting, crushing,washing and heating converted into a new products.
Initially, the plastic items were thrown into the garbage and then after collection sent them in recycling units where they compressed and then crushed whole material.After that they sent in washing unit and make some pellets. These pellets then undergo high temperatures and are converted into raw material that would be reproduced into new items.
Conclusively, the process keeps repeating round the clock strategically.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The student has failed to meet the minimum length requirement of 150 words, writing only 121 words, which directly penalises the Task Achievement score. While the response attempts to cover the whole process from collection to final products, the summary lacks sufficient detail and development of the main features shown in the diagram. For instance, the overview sentence is grammatically disjointed ('Overall, they captured empty bottles from waste and then after sorting... converted into a new products'), and several key mechanical stages of the loop are glossed over rather than fully reported. To achieve a higher band, the writer must ensure the word count exceeds the 150-word threshold and provide a more comprehensive, structured overview of all nine distinct stages.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response is structured into an introduction, a brief overview, body paragraphs, and a concluding sentence, demonstrating some awareness of paragraphing. However, the logical progression is hindered by awkward phrasing and abrupt transitions between sentences (e.g., 'After that they sent in washing unit and make some pellets'). Cohesive devices are used mechanically and sometimes inaccurately, such as missing articles and poor referencing ('they sent them in recycling units'). Paragraphing is disjointed, with very short, underdeveloped paragraphs that disrupt the flow of information. To improve, the writer needs to use a wider and more accurate range of cohesive markers to connect the sequential steps of the diagram more smoothly.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is quite basic and repetitive, with noticeable errors in word choice and morphology (e.g., 're-cyclling', 'one of the most materials', 'new products' instead of 'new product'). There are attempts to use process-specific terminology such as 'sorting', 'crushing', 'washing', and 'pellets', but these are constrained by lexical limitations and inaccuracies in collocation. Spelling and word-formation errors, such as 're-cyclling', detract from the quality of the response. To reach a higher band, the student should expand their range of vocabulary to include less common lexical items related to manufacturing and recycling processes, while ensuring greater accuracy in word formation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The text displays a very limited range of grammatical structures. Most sentences are simple or attempt complex forms that result in significant errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'Plastic bottles are one of the most materials used in the world' and 'raw material that would be reproduced into new items'. There are frequent errors in verb tense consistency, voice (active vs. passive), and missing articles (e.g., 'sent them in recycling units', 'in washing unit'). These errors occasionally impede communication and reduce readability. To improve, the writer needs to demonstrate better control over complex sentence structures and ensure accurate use of the passive voice, which is typically required for describing mechanical processes.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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