Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-01

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 how plastic bottles are recycled.

Overall, it is clear that it is man-made process, consists of nine steps, beginning with the collecting of waste plastic bottles and concluding with producing of household items.

The process begins with, the waste plastic bottles are collected by the big vehicle. Then, it transfers in the recycling center. In this stage, plastic bottles are sorted by the person, this whole method are carried by human. After completing the pervious step, the blocks are build by compressing the waste plastics.

Followed by, the blocks are crushed with the sharp equipment, two circular peddles move round motion and blocks pass the between of peddles. Meanwhile, plastic materials are washed with the appropriate solvent. After that, the plastic pallets produce. The pellets are heated and made raw material. In last stage, raw materials are used in production of household items such as bottles, lunch boxes, t-shirts and pencils.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final production of household items. The overview is clear and identifies the main features, such as the nine-step nature of the process. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a sophisticated synthesis of the information. While the main steps are reported, the response could be improved by grouping stages more effectively to show the logical flow of the process. Overall, the task is addressed adequately, and the key information is presented in a logical sequence, meeting the requirements for a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs detailing the process. Cohesive devices such as 'The process begins with', 'Then', 'After completing', and 'Meanwhile' are used to guide the reader through the stages. However, some transitions feel slightly repetitive or mechanical, and the use of referencing is occasionally imprecise (e.g., 'this whole method are carried by human'). While the progression is generally clear, the mechanical nature of the linking words prevents a higher score. The paragraphing is appropriate for the task.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing for a clear description of the recycling process. Terms like 'recycling center', 'compressing', 'solvent', and 'pellets' are used correctly. However, there are some instances of awkward phrasing or word choice, such as 'big vehicle' instead of 'collection truck' and 'peddles' (likely meaning 'paddles' or 'rollers'). The range is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. Spelling errors like 'pervious' (previous) and 'build' (built) also occur.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('this whole method are carried', 'plastic pallets produce'), incorrect passive voice construction ('blocks are build'), and awkward prepositional usage ('pass the between of peddles'). While the meaning remains understandable, the frequency of these errors indicates a lack of control over complex structures. To improve, focus on consistent subject-verb agreement and correct passive voice formation, which is essential for describing processes.

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

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