Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-19

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 the process followed in order to recycle plastic bottles.

Overall, the whole process is a cycle of nine main steps, from sorting the bottles in recycling centres, to producing raw material using plastic pellets in order to make more products that will be used, therefore, repeating the same cycle.

In more detail, the recycling procedure all begins by collecting thrown trash from rubbish bins with a specific type of trucks, which takes it to recycling centres. Furthermore, plastic bottles get recycled by the workers, then compressed into square blocks that is crushed later using special machines.

In addition, the collected crushed plastic is washed and delivered to a mechanism that produces plastic pellets out of it. the latter is utilised to form raw material which is needed in making further end products. Finally, the outputs are bought and used by people, then thrown in rubbish bins where the entire cycle repeats itself.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the recycling process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of steps logically. To reach a higher band, ensure that you describe the process with more precision. For example, you mention 'special machines' and 'a mechanism' without describing the specific actions (e.g., shredding or melting) shown in the diagram. Including more specific details from the visual data would demonstrate a more thorough coverage of the task requirements. Overall, the response is accurate and covers all stages from collection to the final product.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological flow of the process. You use cohesive devices such as 'In more detail', 'Furthermore', and 'In addition' to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'the latter') is used consistently to maintain flow without sounding repetitive.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'compressed', 'utilised', and 'raw material'. There are some instances where word choice could be more precise; for example, 'thrown trash' is slightly informal for an academic report. Additionally, 'the latter is utilised' is a good attempt at academic style, but ensure your collocations are natural. The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but incorporating more specific technical terms related to recycling would enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are some grammatical slips, such as 'blocks that is crushed' (should be 'are crushed') and 'the recycling procedure all begins' (the 'all' is redundant). Punctuation is generally sound, though there is a missing capital letter at the start of the final paragraph. To achieve a higher band, aim for more error-free complex sentences and ensure subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text.

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

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