Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of how plastic bottles are recycled.

Overall, the process involves nine stages, beginning with the collection of used plastic bottles and ending with the production of new products. A complex stage of the whole process is the crushing of the plastic blocks.

Initially, the process begins with the collection of used plastic bottles, and then these bottles are transported to a recycling centre through large vans. In the next stage, these bottles are sorted manually and placed in the right bins. After this, the sorted bottles are compressed into large blocks for crushing.

In the subsequent stage, these huge blocks are crushed into tiny particles through a machine. Next, these finer particles are washed in a container before being processed into the next step.

Then, these finer particles are passed into another machine to produce plastic pellets. Further, these pellets are heated at a certain temperature to produce raw materials. The raw materials are organised and stacked. Finally, in the last stage, bags, bottles and stationery are produced using the raw material. After using these products again, they are recycled, and this process is repeated.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the recycling process and provides a clear overview. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is logically presented. However, the description is somewhat mechanical, simply listing the steps in order rather than synthesising the information or highlighting key comparisons effectively. To reach a higher band, you should aim to group stages more analytically and provide a more sophisticated summary of the overall process rather than just stating the number of stages. The inclusion of the final cycle back to the beginning is a good observation that adds depth to the summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'In the next stage', 'In the subsequent stage', and 'Finally' are used to guide the reader through the steps. While the progression is clear, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows well from one stage to the next. To improve, try to vary the linking phrases to avoid a 'list-like' feel and ensure that the transition between the stages feels more natural and less formulaic.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the process clearly. You have used some topic-specific vocabulary such as 'recycling centre', 'compressed', 'crushed', and 'raw materials'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on simple verbs and repetitive phrasing (e.g., 'these bottles', 'these finer particles', 'these huge blocks'). To achieve a higher score, you should incorporate a wider range of precise vocabulary and synonyms to avoid repetition. For example, instead of repeating 'these' to start sentences, use more varied structures or descriptive nouns.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The grammar is generally accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. You have used passive voice appropriately for a process description, such as 'bottles are sorted' and 'pellets are heated'. While the control is good, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. To improve, try to integrate more varied sentence types, such as using relative clauses or participle phrases to combine steps, which would enhance the sophistication of your writing and demonstrate better control over complex grammatical forms.

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

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