Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-02

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 way in which methods are used for recycling plastic bottles.

Overall, the process consist nine stages, starts with the waste bottles and ends with new products.

First of all, people throw raw materials of plastic bottles into the dustbin. After that, a big truck comes and picked up dustbin that fill with plastic bottles. Truck goes to recycling center then, employees are sorted out the bottle. Next, they sent it to compress machine for compressed into blocks.

In the next stage, compressed blocks sent it for crushed into small pieces then, they sent it into water tub for washing. Following this, after wash sent it into machine for manufactured plastic pellets. Next, they gives heat to plastic pellets. Heating pellets to from raw material. Subsequently, they gives a shape into round blocks from raw material. Finally, they made products for example (pencils, shopping bags, plastic box, and also made new bottles) from raw materials

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all stages of the recycling process, from the initial collection to the final product creation. The overview is clear, identifying the start and end points of the process. However, the description of the middle stages is somewhat repetitive and lacks a sophisticated synthesis of the information. While the main features are reported, the response would benefit from more precise terminology (e.g., describing the 'compress machine' as a 'compactor' or 'baler'). The summary is accurate, but it relies heavily on a sequential list rather than grouping related steps to show a deeper understanding of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. Cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'After that', 'Next', and 'Subsequently' are used to link the stages. However, the use of these devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Additionally, there are issues with referencing; for example, 'they' is used frequently without a clear antecedent, making some sentences feel disjointed. The progression of ideas is clear, but the flow could be improved by varying the transition words and ensuring that pronouns clearly refer back to the correct nouns.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate to describe the process but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. Phrases like 'compress machine' and 'water tub' are functional but not the most accurate technical terms. There are also some errors in word formation and collocation, such as 'manufactured plastic pellets' instead of 'manufacturing' or 'producing'. The range of vocabulary is limited, and the student relies on basic verbs like 'sent', 'made', and 'gives'. To improve, the student should focus on using more specific process-related verbs and nouns.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of reading. There are consistent issues with verb tense and subject-verb agreement, such as 'the process consist nine stages' (should be 'consists of') and 'a big truck comes and picked up' (should be 'picks up'). Passive voice, which is essential for process descriptions, is attempted but often handled incorrectly, such as 'compressed blocks sent it for crushed'. Sentence structures are mostly simple or contain errors when attempting more complex constructions. Improving control over basic grammar and passive voice structures is essential.

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