Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-05

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 picture illustrates the recycling process of plastic bottles in nine stages.

Overview, there are all nine stages in this process which starts from collect plastic bottles through all processes end again on producing a plastic bottle again

To start with, plastic bottles are collected from bins from all over the city by the help of rubbish truck. Then get transported to the recycling centre and there they are sorted according to their size and material. After that all collected plastic compressed in compressing machine and turn into a square block. Then these blocks allow to pass through crushing rollers which converts them into a tiny pieces.

These small particles send for washing to remove unwanted debris and put in another machine to produce plastic pellets. When certain amount of plastic pellets are collected then with help of pellets raw material are collected and packed in sacks to get deliver to factories for processing to make products such as, clothes, carry bags, pencils and water bottles

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final production of goods. The overview is present, though it is slightly awkward in phrasing. The main features are identified and described in a logical sequence. However, the response lacks a clear comparison or synthesis of the process stages, which is expected in a Band 7+ response. The description is largely a step-by-step narration rather than a summary of key trends or features. To improve, focus on grouping the stages (e.g., collection, processing, and manufacturing) to provide a more analytical overview of the cycle.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. Cohesive devices such as 'To start with', 'Then', and 'After that' are used to link the stages. However, some transitions are mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'with help of pellets raw material are collected'. The opening sentence is also slightly disjointed. Improving the variety of cohesive devices and ensuring that pronouns or references clearly point back to the previous noun would enhance the flow and coherence of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe the process clearly. Words like 'compressed', 'recycling centre', and 'debris' are used correctly. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'by the help of rubbish truck' (should be 'with the help of a rubbish truck') and 'get deliver' (should be 'be delivered'). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic verbs and nouns. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes and improve control over word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the help of rubbish truck'), verb forms ('all collected plastic compressed' instead of 'is compressed'), and passive voice construction ('These small particles send' instead of 'are sent'). While these errors are frequent, they do not impede the overall meaning of the process. To improve, the student needs to focus on consistent use of the passive voice for process descriptions and ensure subject-verb agreement and article usage are more accurate throughout the text.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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