Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-22

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 illustrates how plastics bottles are processed and converted it into useful products by using a process known as recycling.

Overall, this plastic recycling is a circular process which involves 9 stages, moreover the end product becomes the main materials for future recycling process. From collection and transportation of empty plastic bottles and then sorting, compressing and crushing them to make plastic pellets which would then convert into meaningful end products which will be used by consumers for various things.

Initially, all the plastic bottles which are discarded by consumers are collected and then transported to a sorting facility via trucks. This facility then sorts which bottles can be used to recycled further with the help of human intervention. Additionally, those bottles are then highly compressed into blocks of plastics.

Furthermore, the blocks are then passed through a crusher to make it into fine particles which are later washed to clean off some impurities. The resultant particles are then put through a machine to make plastic pellets, this pellets are then heated to form raw materials. Such raw materials can then be used to form various types of plastic products such as bags, containers, clothing materials.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the creation of end products. You have identified the main features and provided a clear overview of the circular nature of the process. However, the summary could be improved by explicitly mentioning the specific inputs and outputs at each stage more precisely. While you mention the stages, the description of the 'sorting' and 'crushing' phases is slightly repetitive. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the stages is described with more analytical precision rather than just listing the steps sequentially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific part of the process. You use cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Furthermore', and 'Additionally' to guide the reader through the stages. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For example, the phrase 'this pellets' is a referencing error that disrupts the flow. The overall progression is clear, but the connection between the final products and the circular nature of the process could be more tightly integrated to improve the flow of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'sorting facility', 'human intervention', and 'impurities'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'meaningful end products' (which is slightly unnatural in this context) and 'this pellets' (a plural/singular agreement error). To improve, try to incorporate more precise technical collocations related to industrial processes. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text, such as 'converted it into' (the 'it' is redundant), 'used to recycled' (should be 'used for recycling' or 'used to be recycled'), and 'this pellets' (should be 'these pellets'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice—which is essential for process descriptions—will help improve your accuracy.

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