Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-15

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 of recycling plastic bottles into usable products.

Overall, it is a long term procedure containing diffrent steps and techniques through which, the used plastic bottles are turned into various consumer products. The process start by collecting the bottles from the designated bins and ends by producing diffrent objects which are necessary for the day to day life.

As the first step, the used plastic bottles are collected from the consumers. Using the trucks, the bottles are transported to the recycling centres for sorting. Sorting is a process in which bottles are separated as identical categories. Later on, the sorted bottles are converted into large plastic blocks through compression method. The large plastic blocks are then crushed into small pieces before washing.

The mechanical process starts at this stage by making plastic pellets with the help of machinary. These steps requires more technical knowledge and effort compared to the previous steps. These plastic pellets are then subjected to heating procedure and then converted into raw materials to make the final products.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of raw materials. However, the description is somewhat generic and lacks specific detail from the diagram, such as the mention of 'heat' or specific end-products like 'plastic bottles' or 'clothing'. While the overview is present, it is slightly repetitive. To reach a higher band, ensure that all visual information is clearly linked to the stages described. The summary is accurate, but it could be more analytical by highlighting the transition from mechanical to chemical processing more explicitly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, moving chronologically through the recycling process. Cohesive devices such as 'As the first step', 'Later on', and 'The mechanical process starts at this stage' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, the flow between some sentences is slightly mechanical. The use of referencing is generally clear, though the transition between the sorting stage and the crushing stage could be smoother. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to a coherent response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with terms like 'compression', 'mechanical process', and 'recycling centres' used correctly. There are some spelling errors, such as 'diffrent' (used twice) and 'machinary', which detract from the overall quality. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the process, but it lacks the sophistication or precision required for higher bands. To improve, focus on avoiding repetitive phrasing and ensuring accurate spelling of technical terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'The process start' (subject-verb agreement) and 'These steps requires' (subject-verb agreement). Additionally, there is a minor punctuation issue with the comma usage in the first paragraph. Despite these errors, the sentences are generally understandable and do not impede communication. Increasing the variety of complex structures and proofreading for subject-verb agreement would help improve the score.

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

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