Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-18

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 diagram illustrates and provides a general overview of the process of recycling plastic bottles after they are being collected. So the entirety of the process of recycling resumes when people dump their plastic waste in the dustbin, followed by the collection of these plastic wastes. While these wastes are being transported with the help of trucks to the recycling plants. There the wastes are being segregated according to their categories; after successful completion, they are being compressed into blocks.

These compressed blocks are then sent through a machine named 'crusher', which breaks down the blocks into small pieces. Eventually these pieces are then washed and again sent to another machine, which is responsible for producing plastic pellets from these small pieces.

The next part of the procedure starts with heating up these plastic pellets, which transforms into the raw material that is eventually used for the production of plastic 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 overview is somewhat limited, and the description relies heavily on a chronological narrative rather than highlighting key features or making meaningful comparisons. While the process is described, the response lacks a clear summary of the overall transformation. To improve, ensure the introduction provides a more comprehensive overview of the entire cycle and focus on grouping the stages more logically to demonstrate a better understanding of the process as a whole.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is generally coherent, with a logical progression from the initial collection to the final heating stage. Paragraphing is used, though the transition between the second and third paragraphs is slightly abrupt. Cohesive devices such as 'eventually', 'the next part', and 'after successful completion' are used, but some are slightly mechanical. The use of referencing is generally clear, though the flow could be improved by using more varied linking phrases to connect the stages of the process more fluidly rather than relying on simple sequential markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using terms like 'segregated', 'compressed', and 'raw material' appropriately. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on basic verbs like 'starts', 'sent', and 'breaks down'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise, topic-specific vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'sorted', 'pulverized', or 'processed'. The current word choice is functional but lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for higher band scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains several grammatical errors that affect the flow. For example, 'after they are being collected' is awkward; 'after collection' or 'once collected' would be more natural. The sentence 'While these wastes are being transported...' is a sentence fragment as it lacks a main clause. There is also an overuse of the passive voice with 'are being', which makes the text feel repetitive. While some complex structures are attempted, the accuracy is inconsistent. Focusing on sentence variety and correcting these structural errors 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.