Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-27

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 the process of recycling plastic bottles to produce new products. Overall, there are nine distinct stages in the recycling process, beginning with the collection of used plastic items and ending with the manufacturing of new goods

The process starts when people disposed plastic wastes, such as bottles and bags into large bins. These bins are then collected by a garbage truck and transported to recycling facility. Where workers manually sort the plastic wastes, separating recyclable materials from non-recyclable items.

Next, sorted plastic is compressed into large blocks. These blocks are then crushed into small pieces using industrial machinery. After crushing, the plastic fragments are washed thoroughly to remove the dirt and containments.

Following the washing stage, the clean plastic pieces are processed into pellets. These pellets are subsequently heated to form raw materials. Finally, this raw material is used to manufacture a range of new product, including T-shirts and bags. Once produced, these items can eventually be recycled again, completing the cycle.

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 manufacturing of new goods. You have provided a clear overview and followed the logical progression of the diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure you include more comparative language or highlight specific features, such as the transition from raw materials to finished products. The description is accurate and covers all key steps shown in the process, meeting the requirements for a clear, well-developed summary of the visual information provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction and a step-by-step progression through the recycling stages. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different phases of the process. You make good use of cohesive devices such as 'Next', 'After crushing', and 'Following the washing stage' to guide the reader. The flow is smooth, and the referencing is generally clear. To improve, ensure that the transition between the final stage and the conclusion is more seamless to avoid a slightly abrupt ending.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'compressed', 'industrial machinery', and 'raw materials' appropriately. There are a few minor errors, such as 'containments' (should be 'contaminants') and 'new product' (should be plural 'new products'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more precise technical collocations would elevate the response. The current range is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but lacks the sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'people disposed plastic wastes' (should be 'people dispose of plastic waste') and 'transported to recycling facility' (missing an article: 'a recycling facility'). Despite these errors, the meaning remains clear throughout. You have attempted some complex structures, but they are occasionally marred by minor inaccuracies in verb tense or article usage. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense 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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