Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-30

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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the process, how the plastic waste can be recycled further.

The diagram highlights the complete end-to-end process of plastic recycling in different stages starting from throwing plastic in a bin to again building back the plastics waste into different usage in, end products.

Initially the image describes how the plastics is been carried away from the waste bin to recycling centre and been going to different evolving process : sorting, compressing into blocks, crushing. Furthermore the plastics granules are been carries away for washing.

In addition, the cleaned waste is been converted to plastic pellets and these pellets are again been given a form of plastic fragments. Therefore these fragmented particles are now heated at a certain degree, which would then become a raw material. Now these raw materials are given a proper shape and structured before releasing into the market which can be using in different ways.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the creation of new products. However, the description is somewhat generic and lacks a clear overview of the cyclical nature of the process. While the key stages like sorting, crushing, and heating are mentioned, the response would benefit from a more precise summary of the transformation steps. The information is presented in a logical sequence, but it lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band, as it reads more like a list of steps rather than a cohesive report on the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. There is a clear attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Furthermore', 'In addition', and 'Therefore'. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly unnatural, such as the transition 'Therefore these fragmented particles are now heated'. The referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved to create a more natural progression of ideas. Paragraphing is present but could be better balanced to separate the initial collection phase from the manufacturing phase.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the process stages. There are some attempts at using topic-specific vocabulary like 'granules', 'pellets', and 'raw material'. However, there are instances of imprecise word choice and awkward phrasing, such as 'building back the plastics waste into different usage' and 'been carries away'. These errors do not impede communication, but they limit the score. To improve, the writer should focus on more precise collocations and avoid repetitive structures.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb forms and passive voice construction, such as 'plastics is been carried away' and 'cleaned waste is been converted'. These errors are noticeable and occur throughout the text. While the meaning remains clear, the lack of control over tense and voice consistency prevents the response from reaching a higher band. More attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct formation of passive structures is needed.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.