Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-29

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 given flow chart illustrates the process of recycling the

bottles that are made up of plastic.

Overall, it can be noted that the process given is a cyclic process. The sequence consists of nine steps, with the last process being of manufacturing end products.

To begin with, firstly the plastic bottle is taken from the garbage area where most of the waste product is present from where it is sent to the manufacturing premises through the transportation medium like a truck. At first, the bottle is sorted there from where it is compressed into the shapes of a block. Subsequently, the product is crushed by a machine present in the premise.

Further, the product is washed and after that it is sent to a machine where it is made in the form of pallets. Subsequently, it is heated and a raw ma

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response is incomplete as it cuts off mid-sentence, failing to cover the entire process shown in the diagram. Because the text is under the 150-word minimum and does not describe the final stages of the recycling process, it fails to fully address the task requirements. While the introduction and the initial steps are identified, the lack of a complete summary and the failure to report on the latter half of the process significantly impact the score. To improve, ensure all stages of the diagram are described and the response meets the minimum word count requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response uses some cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'firstly', and 'subsequently' to link ideas. However, the paragraphing is somewhat disjointed, and the abrupt ending prevents a logical conclusion or a cohesive summary of the process. The progression of ideas is clear in the early stages, but the lack of completion makes the overall structure feel unfinished. To reach a higher band, ensure that the text flows logically from start to finish and that the paragraph structure supports the development of the description.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for describing a process, using terms like 'flow chart', 'compressed', and 'manufacturing premises'. However, there is some repetition of words like 'product' and 'process'. The range is somewhat limited, and the vocabulary does not demonstrate the flexibility or precision required for higher bands. To improve, try to use more varied synonyms for the stages of the process and avoid repeating the same nouns throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. There are some minor grammatical issues, such as 'the last process being of manufacturing' and 'made in the form of pallets', which sound slightly unnatural. While the errors do not significantly impede communication, the range of structures is limited. To improve, focus on using more varied sentence patterns and ensure that prepositions and article usage are accurate throughout the description.

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