Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-31
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 flowchart below illustrates the step-by-step method of reprocessing plastic bottles.
Overall, this whole process constitute of nine steps. It commence with collecting used bottles and then sorting them. Afterwards, they are compressed into a solid form to crush them. The graduals are then washed and go through a machine which converts those plastic pieces into a raw material. Lastly, this formed material is used by various manufactures to transform them into numerous useful products.
The first step is to retrieve wasted plastic bottles from the garbage bins and to transport them to a recycling factory via a collecting truck. In the center, they segregate them according to their condition and modify them into many solid blocks by compressing them together. Moreover, these blocks are then crushed with the assistance of a crusher. The small pieces are then washed to remove filthiness from those crushed product. Furthermore, a heating machine is used to form a number of plastic pallets which are then heated by it, to produce a raw material. This final product is then packed into packets and are used by various textile companies to form their items.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final product. The overview is clear, identifying the nine-step nature of the process. However, the description of the stages is slightly repetitive and lacks a high level of detail regarding the technical transformation. For instance, the transition from 'plastic pallets' to 'raw material' is somewhat vague. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the stages is more precisely articulated, focusing on the transformation of the material rather than just listing the actions. Overall, the response successfully addresses the requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the process. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the overview from the detailed description. Cohesive devices such as 'Afterwards', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore' are used to link ideas, although some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, though there are minor issues with pronoun consistency, such as 'those crushed product' (singular/plural mismatch). The progression of information is clear, and the reader can easily follow the sequence of the recycling process.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'reprocessing', 'segregate', and 'raw material' used correctly. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'graduals' (likely meant 'granules'), 'filthiness' (which is awkward in this context; 'impurities' or 'contaminants' would be better), and 'manufactures' (should be 'manufacturers'). While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more precise technical vocabulary to reach a higher band. The range is sufficient to convey the process clearly.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement ('this whole process constitute of', 'this final product... are used') and pluralization ('those crushed product'). While these errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding the process. The use of passive voice is appropriate for a process description, but the control over these structures needs to be more consistent to achieve a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and noun-number agreement will significantly improve the accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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