Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-12
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 diagram describes the process for recycling plastic bottles in 9 steps.
As we can see from the diagram, first people throw plastic items like bottles into the trash and after that trash is taken to the factories for recycling by truck. At the recycling center bottles are identified whether they can be recycled or not through the process of sorting, further the bottles which can be recycled are compressed into blocks and then they go to the process of crushing the blocks into tiny particles and those particles goes into the process of washing where it is put in a big container of water for cleaning.
After washing it is made into the plastic pellets by putting in a special machine and then to form raw materials pellets are being heated at a high temperature. Afterwards, raw materials are produced and then it is converted into the products like clothes , bottle and lunch boxes.
In conclusion, to make products from the plastic bottles it requires a lot of process and special equipment to produce desired products.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final product. The overview is clear, and the main features are identified. However, the report is somewhat descriptive and lacks a more analytical approach to the process. While the steps are logically presented, the response could be improved by grouping the stages more effectively (e.g., collection, processing, and manufacturing) rather than listing them sequentially. The inclusion of a conclusion is helpful, but it is slightly repetitive. Overall, the response addresses the requirements well, but it lacks the sophisticated synthesis of information expected at higher bands.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the start to the end of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the body of the process, and the conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'first', 'after that', 'further', and 'afterwards' are used to link the stages. However, some of these transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, though some sentences are slightly long and could benefit from better punctuation to improve readability.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with terms like 'compressed', 'particles', 'pellets', and 'raw materials' showing a good understanding of the process. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on basic verbs like 'put' and 'make'. There are also minor issues with word choice, such as 'it is made into the plastic pellets', which could be phrased more naturally. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more precise technical vocabulary and vary your word choice to avoid repetition.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('those particles goes') and awkward phrasing ('it is put in a big container'). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are some missing commas that would help clarify the structure of complex sentences. The control of grammar is sufficient to communicate the process clearly, but the frequency of minor errors prevents a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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