Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-27

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 6.5)

The diagram shows the overall manufacturing process of plastic recycling. In this process plastic bottles are collected then further recycling occurs in different processes like collection ,recycling sorting, compressing into block ,crushing, producing plastic pallets ,heating material and then making end products.

First of all the old plastic material is collected, it is transferred to industry by vehicles and then all of plastic material is sorted out on basis of size and weight .After its separation the plastic material is compressed at high pressure and it is converted into blocks when compressed under high pressure.

As it is totally compressed ,then it is crushed by help of cutters into tiny pieces so that it can be small and then all of pieces are washed with water so that these can be cleaned.

After it, it is converted into plastic pallets, then pallets are converted into raw material after heating. The raw material is then shaped into different products at the end.

Overall all of processes help in recycling of plastic bottles and converting it into different other end product for daily usage.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response covers all stages of the recycling process shown in the diagram. You have successfully identified the main features, such as collection, sorting, compressing, crushing, washing, and the final production phase. However, the overview is slightly repetitive and could be more concise. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview highlights the cyclical nature of the process or the key transformation stages more effectively. The information is accurate, but the description of the final stages (pallets to raw material) could be more clearly linked to the diagram's visual flow. Overall, the task is addressed well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. You use some cohesive devices like 'First of all', 'After its separation', and 'After it', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical or repetitive. For instance, the phrase 'After it' is used somewhat awkwardly. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing (e.g., 'these', 'it') is always clear will help improve the flow. Paragraphing is present, but the structure could be more balanced to better separate the distinct phases of the recycling cycle.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'manufacturing process', 'compressed', 'crushed', and 'raw material'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'producing plastic pallets' (the diagram shows 'pellets') and 'by help of cutters'. Additionally, there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'converted' and 'made'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes and avoid repeating the same words in close proximity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the' is often missing before 'plastic material') and punctuation (e.g., unnecessary spaces before commas). Some sentences are slightly clunky, such as 'so that it can be small'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent article usage will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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