Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-10-30

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 complete process for recycling plastic bottles. It has nine important stages for recycling. In first step, we had collect plastic bottles in garbage drum. Then, it moves for processing in recycling center in second stage. In third stage, we sorted the plastic bottles which was able for processing. Then Sorted bottles compressed into a box by Compressing machine.In fifth stage, we crushed box into small tiny pieces by big blades. And move this material to water tank for washing it crushed pieces of plastic bottles. Then Moved it by conveyor belt to a big machine for producing plastic pellets, that was the process number six. then move to seven stage, In this process we heated pellets in a fixed temperature to form Raw material. After this we place this Raw material for cooling in stage eight. In the last stage, we use different sizes frame structures for changing Raw material into useful plastic items.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the diagram as a recycling process and describe many of its main stages, from collection through sorting, compression, crushing, washing, pellet production and the creation of end products. However, the account is only partly complete: it does not clearly explain that the process is a closed loop, and the overview is limited to saying there are nine stages. Some details are inaccurate or unsupported: the diagram shows sorting into accepted and rejected bottles, but not that accepted bottles are sorted “for processing”; it does not show a fixed heating temperature, cooling at stage eight, or frame structures for making products. Clarify the overall cycle and report only features shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The stages are generally presented in sequence, and time markers such as “In fifth stage,” “After this,” and “In the last stage” help the reader follow the process. The response also uses a basic opening to establish the topic. However, progression is weakened by inconsistent sequencing and abrupt sentence links: “Then Moved it” and “then move to seven stage” interrupt the flow, while the washing and pellet-making steps are crowded together. There is no distinct overview paragraph, and several sentences repeat “stage” or “process.” Group the description into a brief overview followed by logically connected stages, and use clear references such as “the washed pieces” to link steps.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “compressed,” “crushed,” “washing,” “plastic pellets,” and “raw material,” so the reader can understand the general subject. However, the range is limited and some choices are imprecise or repetitive. “Garbage drum” does not accurately describe the recycling bin, “box” is less precise than the diagram’s block, and “small tiny pieces” repeats the same idea. Phrases such as “fixed temperature” and “frame structures” introduce details not supported by the visual. Aim for precise process language and natural collocations, for example, describing bottles being placed in a recycling bin, compressed into blocks, and made into products.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response communicates the broad sequence, but frequent errors in sentence structure and verb forms make parts difficult to read. Examples include “In first step, we had collect,” “Then Sorted bottles compressed,” and “Then Moved it,” where articles, auxiliary verbs, or appropriate passive forms are missing. Tense and agreement are also inconsistent in “we sorted the plastic bottles which was able,” and several sentences begin with lower-case “then” or use capitals mid-sentence. Most stages can be described clearly with a consistent present simple passive, such as “The bottles are sorted, compressed and crushed.” Practise forming complete sentences and maintaining consistent verb forms and punctuation.

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