Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-21

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 given diagram illustrates a cyclic process for recycling plastic bottles into essential products.

Overall, it is clear from the picture that it involves 9 steps starting with collection of plastic bottles and producing useful products such as, bottles, t-shirts, bags and pencils. This process involves both physical an mechanic work.

First and foremost step, is the collection of plastic bottles from dustbins by garbage collection trucks. These bottles are sent to a recycling center where by physical means sorting takes place. After plastic bottles are sorted they are compressed into blocks. Blocks are crushed by heavy machines and made into minute shreds and washed.

Furthermore, these washed plastic pellets are subjected to heat in a machine to form raw material. The produced raw material is packed. This raw material is used in manufacturing essential products such as plastic bottles, packaging boxes, t-shirts, bags and pencils. These after usage are again recycled and this cycle continues.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of new items. You have covered all parts of the task and provided a clear overview of the cycle. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the transition points between the stages more clearly. For instance, the transition from 'raw material' to 'essential products' could be more detailed to show how the process is fully integrated. Overall, the information is accurate and the key features are well-selected.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. You use cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'After', and 'Furthermore' to guide the reader through the process. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the flow between the final stage of the cycle and the beginning could be strengthened to emphasize the 'cyclic' nature mentioned in your introduction. Referencing is generally clear, though some sentences could be linked more fluidly to avoid a list-like feel.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'cyclic process', 'compressed', 'shreds', and 'raw material' effectively. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'physical an mechanic work', which should be 'physical and mechanical work'. Additionally, 'where by physical means sorting takes place' is slightly awkward; a more natural phrasing would be 'where sorting takes place manually'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical errors. For example, 'First and foremost step, is the collection' contains an unnecessary comma and a missing article. 'These after usage are again recycled' is syntactically awkward. There are also minor punctuation errors, such as the unnecessary comma after 'such as'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will improve your accuracy.

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

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