Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-10-03

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)

This diagram illustrates the process for recycling plastic bottles.It is divided into nine parts and than again same process restart after once time.

Overall we see that firstly when individuals waste bottles fall down in the dustbin rather than after cleaning machines are collected all the wastage products take in centre and furthermore, sorting which is useable or not and throw into two different boxes and after sorting bottles fall into blocks for compressing consequently, given that refer to next process and bottles in the crushing machine and after that washing in a good way.

Additionally, when this process done all material threw in the plastic pellets for producing next way and all material come into heating pellets recreate in raw material and it is always heat. eventually raw material collect and exchange and uses in made many kinds of products like tiffin boxes, clothes, pencils, water bottles and useable bags.

Finally, when this process is finished and after sometime period it recreate when some things are in condition of uses and recycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses the main parts of the task by outlining the stages of the plastic bottle recycling process, from disposal to the production of end products. However, some aspects of the process are less fully developed and lack precision. For instance, the transition from washing to the creation of plastic pellets is described somewhat vaguely as 'when this process done all material threw in the plastic pellets for producing next way'. While the overall progression of the 9 stages is captured, the description of intermediate mechanical steps, such as crushing and heating, is underdeveloped and lacks the clarity expected at a higher level. To improve, you should provide a more precise and detailed sequence of each distinct step without relying on vague summaries.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The text demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement, successfully following the chronological flow of the diagram from disposal back to consumer products. However, the cohesion is mechanical and sometimes faulty. Words like 'and than again', 'furthermore', and 'consequently' are used awkwardly to link long, run-on clauses rather than establishing clear logical relationships. Paragraphing is attempted, but the internal structure of the paragraphs is difficult to follow due to a lack of precise referencing and punctuation. For example, sentences such as 'Overall we see that firstly when individuals waste bottles fall down...' string multiple clauses together without adequate separation or clear signposting. To move up, you need to use cohesive devices more accurately and organise sentences into logically distinct units of meaning.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully employing topic-related terms such as 'recycling centre', 'sorting', 'compressing into blocks', 'crushing', 'washing', and 'plastic pellets'. However, the lexical range is limited and contains noticeable errors in word choice and phrasing that occasionally impede communication. For example, phrases like 'individuals waste bottles fall down in the dustbin', 'all the wastage products take in centre', and 'exchange and uses in made' reflect unnatural collocations and awkward word forms. Additionally, there are minor lexical inaccuracies, such as using 'tiffin boxes' and 'water bottles'. To achieve a higher band, you need to expand your range of vocabulary and use less common terms with greater precision and natural stylistic control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response features a limited range of grammatical structures, relying heavily on long, convoluted sentences joined by coordinating conjunctions. Attempts at complex sentences are frequently faulty, leading to a lack of control over grammar and punctuation. There are frequent errors in verb forms, tense consistency, and prepositions within grammatical patterns, such as 'when individuals waste bottles fall down... rather than after cleaning machines are collected' and 'uses in made many kinds of products'. Clauses often lack clear subjects or predicates, causing confusion for the reader. To improve, you should focus on constructing shorter, grammatically sound sentences with a clear mix of simple and complex forms, ensuring proper subject-verb agreement and accurate punctuation.

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

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