Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-28

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 illustrates the process for recycling plastic bottles.

Its a cyclic process ,consisting of 9 steps. Starting with the disposal of plastic bottles and their collection for recycing and ending with use of recycled material and disposal of used material to again start of a new cycle.

In the very 1st step consumer dispose off the plastic bottles in bins, from where they are collected by trucks . These trucks transport bottles to recycling centre. In third step , which is called sorting, recycleable bottles are being separated from non-recycleable. Then, they are compressed into blocks.

In fifth step, compressed material is crushed by grinders,followed by washing of material. Then, washed substance is used to produce plastic pallets. In the 7th step, pallets are heated to form raw material. Raw material is used to make products such as shirts, stationary items, bags and plastic bottles. After that ,products are sold to consumers and users dispose them after using to start the recycling process again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the recycling process. You have provided a clear overview of the cyclic nature of the process and described the steps logically. However, the response could be improved by grouping the stages more effectively into distinct phases (e.g., collection, processing, and manufacturing) rather than listing them sequentially. While you mention the products created, adding a brief comparison or highlighting the transformation of the material would enhance the analysis. Overall, you have covered all parts of the task well, providing a clear summary of the provided diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial disposal to the final product manufacturing. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Starting with', 'In the third step', and 'After that' to guide the reader. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire body of the report is contained within one paragraph. To improve, you should separate the introduction/overview from the detailed process steps, and perhaps split the process description into two paragraphs based on the stages of the cycle. Referencing is generally clear, though the flow could be smoother with more varied linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, such as 'cyclic process', 'recycling centre', 'compressed', and 'raw material'. There are some minor errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'recycing' (recycling), 'dispose off' (dispose of), and 'stationary' (stationery). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the sophistication or precision required for higher bands. To improve, try to incorporate more precise technical terms related to industrial processes and ensure that common collocations are used correctly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'Its a cyclic process' (It is), '1st step consumer dispose off' (consumers dispose of), and 'recycleable bottles are being separated' (passive voice usage is acceptable, but the phrasing is slightly clunky). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around commas. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent punctuation will help improve your accuracy.

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