Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-17

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 below displays how plastic bottles are recycled.

the overview shows how plastic bottles are recycled and reshaped into other products. Recycling plastic bottles is a long process: from proper disposal to sorting, then crushing and washing, and finally heating and remolding.

The breakdown of how plastic bottles are recycled starts with their disposal into the waste bin, which is collected by a bin truck. It is then sorted into two forms: reusable and non-reusable. After that, they are compressed into blocks, crushed, and washed to sanitize the used plastic.

When washed, they form the shape of pellets, which are then heated to form a raw material. The raw material is then used to manufacture products like T-shirts, pens, plastic bags, plastic bottles, and plastic containers.

In summary, recycling of plastic bottles helps sustain the ecosystem by reducing the level of plastic waste in the environment and also gives the plastic bottles a useful role.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final manufacturing of products. However, the description is somewhat superficial. For instance, the transition from 'washed' to 'pellets' is mentioned, but the process of melting or extruding is not clearly explained as a distinct step. Additionally, the inclusion of personal commentary in the final paragraph—'helps sustain the ecosystem'—is unnecessary for an Academic Task 1 report, which should remain objective and focused solely on the provided data. To improve, ensure all steps are described with equal detail and avoid adding external opinions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, a body paragraph detailing the process, and a concluding summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'After that', 'When washed', and 'The raw material is then' helps guide the reader through the sequence of events. However, the paragraphing is slightly unbalanced, with a very short introduction and a summary that repeats information already presented. The flow is generally clear, but the connection between the sorting stage and the compression stage could be more fluid to improve the overall progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using terms like 'compressed', 'sanitize', and 'manufacture'. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive, particularly the frequent use of 'plastic bottles' and 'recycled'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'The breakdown of how plastic bottles are recycled', which is slightly awkward phrasing. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes and avoid repeating the same nouns throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the grammar is generally accurate and communication is not impeded, there are some minor errors, such as the lack of capitalization at the start of the second paragraph ('the overview shows...'). There is also a slight lack of variety in sentence beginnings, which makes the writing feel somewhat mechanical. The use of passive voice is appropriate for a process description, but more complex sentence structures could be employed to demonstrate greater control and flexibility.

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

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