Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 chart illustrates the process for recycling plastic bottles, it is readily apparent that the process includes three key points transportation and sorting of the used plastic bottles, compressing with crushing and heating pallets which eventually result into producing new products.

First the recycled bottles are transported through trucks to the recycling plant, where it is segregated into different segments. The plastic material which is approved then goes into further process which compresses these bottles into blocks in the next stage they are crushed and washed so that it can be reused without any residue.

In the next step the washed plastic goes into a machine where plastic pallets are produced after this process the pallets are then heated to form raw materials. towards the end the raw material is stored and can be used again to produce materials such as tiffin boxes, pencils, and even clothing materials. this recuring cycle taken place again when the plastic is discarded.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from transportation to the production of new items. However, the overview is slightly weak; it lists steps rather than highlighting the cyclical nature of the process or the key transformation points. While the main features are reported, the description of the 'crushing and heating' phase is a bit imprecise, as the diagram shows specific stages that are slightly blurred in your summary. To reach a higher band, ensure the overview captures the 'big picture'—such as the transition from waste to raw material—and ensure all stages are clearly distinguished.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which is appropriate for a process description. You use some cohesive devices like 'First', 'In the next step', and 'towards the end' to guide the reader. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by punctuation errors, such as the comma splice in the first sentence ('...plastic bottles, it is readily apparent...'). Additionally, some transitions feel a bit mechanical. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence logically follows the previous one will help improve the flow and coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'segregated', 'residue', and 'discarded'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'heating pallets' is slightly inaccurate as the diagram shows plastic being turned into pellets, not heating them as a primary action. Furthermore, 'recuring cycle' is a spelling error. To improve, focus on using more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes and ensure that your spelling is accurate, as these minor errors prevent the vocabulary from being considered 'flexible' or 'sophisticated'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the text. You have several run-on sentences and comma splices, such as '...used plastic bottles, compressing with crushing...'. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and article usage, such as 'this recuring cycle taken place' (should be 'takes place'). While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors means that the grammar is not yet at a level where the majority of sentences are error-free. Focusing on sentence boundaries and verb tenses will significantly improve your score.

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

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