Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-10-02

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 show us the recycling of plastic bottles. plastic bottle are hazardous for our environment, which mainly around 10 to 20 year to decompose. After using plastic bottle or any plastic substance its should be trashed properly.

As given in diagram,1st we should always through all kind of garbage mainly plastic into garbage box . 2nd step the garbage truck comes and take all garbage and through it to recycling centre . In recycle centre , garbage are been choose in terms of usable and non-usable . Usable waste can be recycled. After this process , usable waste are compressed into small blocks which help it to crushed the plastic particle into small and tiny particles . After this process those particles are being washed deeply from which all dust and inappropriate particular remove easily. After this all this particles are get heat and transfer in small pellets to make raw material . Raw material has been made after this we can get product which is usable in ur day to day life example clothes and all thing .

Thankyou

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses the task only partially. While the writer attempts to summarize the process of recycling plastic bottles shown in the diagram, the overview of the main features is inadequate. The text lacks an objective reporting style, instead shifting into personal commentary and advice, such as stating that 'plastic bottle are hazardous for our environment' and asserting that plastic 'should be trashed properly'. Furthermore, the description of the sequence relies heavily on inappropriate numbering ('1st', '2nd') and informal narrative phrasing rather than a structured academic summary. To reach a higher level, the writer needs to present a clear, objective overview of the entire cyclical process without introducing extraneous personal opinions or instructions, and all nine stages should be reported with greater clarity and precision.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is some basic organization in the sequence of the process, but the response lacks a clear overall progression. The writer attempts to link the stages using basic transitional expressions such as 'As given in diagram', 'After this process', and 'After this', but these cohesive devices are repetitive, mechanical, and occasionally inaccurate. Paragraphing is poorly handled; the entire response is lumped into a single block of text following the introduction, except for an isolated final sign-off ('Thankyou'). Referencing is also weak, with ambiguous pronouns like 'which help it to crushed' and 'all this particles'. To improve, the writer must employ a wider and more accurate variety of cohesive devices to guide the reader smoothly through the stages of the diagram, alongside appropriate paragraph breaks to separate the introduction from the body of the process.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is limited and barely adequate for the task, containing noticeable errors that impede communication. The writer relies on basic, repetitive terms and attempts less common vocabulary with frequent errors in word choice, form, and spelling. For instance, words like 'through' are misused in place of 'throw', 'choose' is used instead of 'sorted', and informal phrases like 'ur day to day life' appear instead of standard academic language. Spelling errors are also present, such as 'particular' instead of 'particles'. To achieve a higher score, the writer needs to use a broader range of precise, task-specific vocabulary related to industrial processes, ensuring correct word forms, accurate collocations, and proper spelling throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response demonstrates a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying mostly on simple sentences with frequent errors that cause difficulty for the reader. There are persistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The diagram show us', 'plastic bottle are', 'garbage are been choose'), missing or incorrect articles ('in recycling centre', 'in recycle centre'), and incorrect verb tenses and forms ('its should be trashed', 'are get heat and transfer'). Furthermore, punctuation is inadequate, and complex sentence structures are either absent or faulty when attempted. To move up to the next band, the writer must demonstrate much better control over basic grammar, including accurate subject-verb agreement, proper article usage, correct passive voice constructions, and a wider variety of error-free complex sentence structures.

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

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