Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-25

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 picture illustrates how plastic bottles are recycled.

Overall, the whole process includes nine major steps, where it starts from dustbin collects all kind of plastic garbage to making end products like clothes and bottles which are recycled.

First and foremost, unnecessary plastic bottles are collected in the dustbins. Then these collections are transported to the recycling centre by garbage truck. In this sector sorting of plastic bottles is done manually by human.

In the next step, the sorted bottles are compressed into blocks to send them into the crushing area. In this area, blocked are crushed into small pieces and washed completely. After that, these pieces are passed into a machine, which converts them into small pellets. Later, pellets are heated continuously to form the raw material of the plastic.

Finally, these raw materials are collected in sacks and piled up to be transported to the customer, where new products such as bottles, trays, bags, pencils, and clothes are made at their premises.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the recycling process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of steps logically. However, the description could be improved by highlighting the 'main features' more effectively; for instance, noting that the process is a closed-loop system or emphasizing the transition from raw waste to finished goods. The inclusion of specific examples like 'pencils' and 'trays' is good, but ensure that all details from the diagram are accurately reflected. Overall, the task is addressed well, though some stages could be described with more precision to reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The use of cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'In the next step', and 'Finally' helps the reader follow the process. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more balanced. For example, the second body paragraph is quite long compared to the first. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the flow and coherence of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'compressed', 'crushing area', and 'raw material'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'dustbin collects all kind of plastic garbage' (should be 'collects all kinds of plastic waste') and 'in this sector' (which is not the most natural term for a stage in a process). To improve, try to use more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes and ensure that your word forms are consistently accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'sorting of plastic bottles is done manually by human' (should be 'by humans' or 'manually'), 'blocked are crushed' (should be 'blocks are crushed'), and 'where it starts from dustbin collects' (which is grammatically awkward). These errors do not impede communication, but they do occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will help improve your accuracy.

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

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