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, blocks 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 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the creation of new products. You have identified the main features and provided a clear overview in the introduction. The information is logically sequenced, following the diagram from start to finish. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the 'nine major steps' if they are clearly numbered or distinct in the diagram, and try to incorporate more comparative language, such as contrasting the initial raw state with the final manufactured goods, to better meet the requirement of making comparisons where relevant.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is well-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 progression of the process. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus. The referencing is generally clear, though some sentences could be more tightly linked to improve the overall flow of the narrative.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'compressed', 'crushing', and 'manufactured'. 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 'sorting... is done manually by human' (should be 'manually by humans' or 'by hand'). To achieve a higher score, aim for more precise terminology and avoid repetitive phrasing like 'in this area' or 'in this sector'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles and pluralization, such as 'in the dustbins' (should be 'in dustbins') and 'sorting of plastic bottles is done' (should be 'the sorting of plastic bottles'). Additionally, 'where it starts from dustbin collects' is grammatically incorrect. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will significantly improve your accuracy and help you reach a higher band.

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

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