Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-20

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 cyclic diagrm illustrates the formation of recycling plastic bottles.

Overall, the recycling takes place among nine stages, beginning with the collection of bottles from garbage waste and ending with the final product ready for distribution.

Initially, the plastic bottles are gathered from the garbage waste of the container and transferred to trucks. After that, it transports into a recycling center where disposible bottles are arranged for sorting of different varieties by hand. Subsequently, after selecting few, it is then compressed under machine and prepares in a shape of blocks.

Likewise, the blocks are shifted into crushing, where it outcomes as shreds. It is dropped into water for washing and cleaning . After cleaning, it is redirected into plastic pellets, in which is it heated under heater and produce a form raw material. In the following stage, it begins melting and takes place of raw materials. At the final stage, the raw materials allows the products to produce any products such as tshirts, bags, tiffin boxes and packed for distribution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the process, from collection to the final product. The overview is clear, identifying the nine stages and the start/end points. However, the description of the process is somewhat mechanical and lacks a more sophisticated synthesis of the stages. For example, the transition from 'melting' to 'raw materials' is slightly confusing, as the diagram suggests these are part of the same phase. To improve, ensure that the relationship between the stages is described with more precision, focusing on the transformation of the material rather than just listing the steps sequentially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After that', 'Subsequently', and 'In the following stage' are used to guide the reader through the process. However, some transitions feel a bit repetitive or slightly unnatural, such as 'Likewise, the blocks are shifted into crushing'. The referencing is generally clear, though the use of 'it' in 'it transports into' is grammatically incorrect as it lacks a clear antecedent. Overall, the progression of ideas is easy to follow, but the flow could be smoother with more varied linking phrases.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with terms like 'recycling center', 'compressed', 'shreds', and 'raw material' used correctly. There are some minor errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'diagrm' (diagram), 'disposible' (disposable), and 'tiffin boxes'. The phrase 'takes place of raw materials' is awkward and imprecise. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes and ensure accurate spelling. The range is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it lacks the sophistication required for a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader, such as 'it transports into' (should be passive: 'it is transported'), 'after selecting few' (missing article), and 'in which is it heated' (incorrect word order). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but there are some spacing issues before periods. While the meaning is rarely obscured, the frequency of these minor errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and passive voice construction for process descriptions would be highly beneficial.

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

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