Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-11-05

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 6.0)

The diagram illustrates the process through which the plastic bottles are recycled.

Overall, it is a linear process consisting of nine stages starting with throwing of plastic bottles in baskets and ending with producing end products.

Initially, the plastic bottles are thrown in large baskets and then loaded in a container that leaves the bottles at recycling centre. In this centre, the bottles are recycled and sorted. After that, the bottles are compressed into blocks that are made specially for packing the recycled bottles and then crushed with the help of machine that breaks them into smaller pieces. These pieces are washed in water to remove the unwanted particles and also the harmful germs. After washing, the machine converts these pieces into plastic pellets and these pellets are heated with the help of kiln to form raw material. After that, the raw material is used to make lunch boxes, pencils, new plastic bottles, shirts and disposable bags etc. and thus process is completed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You cover the main stages from disposal and collection through sorting, processing and the production of new goods. The overview identifies the start and end, but calling the process “linear” misses a key feature: the diagram shows a closed loop, with end products returning to the first stage. Some details are also unclear or unsupported, such as saying the bottles are placed in “large baskets” and that washing removes germs; the diagram only shows a recycling bin and a washing stage. The description of sorting could be more precise by noting that unsuitable bottles are rejected. To strengthen the response, give an accurate overview of the cycle and report the stages without adding explanations not shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is arranged in a clear sequence, with an introductory sentence, an overview and a chronological account of the stages. Connectors such as “Initially,” “After that” and “After washing” help the reader follow the process, and the progression from collection to end products is easy to understand. This meets the lower-band expectation of coherent overall organisation and shows some of the flexibility associated with stronger cohesion. However, the repeated use of “After that” and the long final process paragraph make the linking somewhat mechanical. The overview’s description of a “linear process” also conflicts with the actual cycle, weakening the overall progression. Grouping the stages into clearer phases and using more varied, precise links would improve cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of process vocabulary, including “compressed,” “crushed,” “pellets” and “raw material,” which allows you to describe the main transformations. Some choices are imprecise or do not match the diagram: “baskets” is less accurate than “recycling bins,” and “container” is vague for the collection truck. “Recycled and sorted” does not clearly express the sorting and rejection stage, while “kiln” adds a specific machine not identified in the visual. The phrase “disposable bags” is also less precise than “carrier bags.” These choices do not prevent understanding, but greater accuracy and more natural collocations would make the description more effective.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You use both simple sentences and longer structures, including the sequence “After washing, the machine converts these pieces into plastic pellets and these pellets are heated…” This shows some ability to link clauses and describe a process, and the main meaning remains clear. However, some grammatical errors occur in article use and sentence construction: “with the help of machine” needs an article, and “consisting of nine stages starting with throwing” is awkwardly formed. The final sentence also joins several ideas with “and” and would be clearer if divided or punctuated more carefully. Aim to check articles and use a consistent passive structure for stages where the material is acted upon.

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

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