Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The recycling procedure for the plastic bottles is diagrammatically explained. Overall, the discarded plastic containers go through a multi-staged process to form a vast range of feasible products, helping us create sustainable environment and reduce the overall discarded items.

To begin, the plastic bottles discarded in the recycling bin are collected and sent to a recycling centre. In the centre, they are sorted based on their recyclable potential and compressed in the form of blocks. The blocks are then crushed via machinery. The crushed residue is then further processed to form further sustainable products.

The crushed plastic is initially washed and then fed into a machine to aid in the formation of plastic pellets. The pellets manufactured are then heated to produce the raw material, which is then packaged to be used for the formation of various products including stationary items, clothing, recyclable bags as well as plastic containers and bottles. All of these end products can be recycled in the same way yet again increasing their usage potential.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the recycling process shown in the diagram. You have identified the main features, such as collection, sorting, crushing, washing, and the final manufacturing of new products. The overview provides a clear summary of the process's purpose. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the 'raw material' stage as a distinct step and perhaps describe the transition from pellets to raw material more precisely, as the diagram likely illustrates these as specific phases. Overall, the information is accurate and well-selected, providing a clear summary of the process flow.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary of the cycle. The use of cohesive devices such as 'To begin', 'In the centre', 'The blocks are then', and 'The crushed plastic is initially' helps guide the reader through the sequence of events. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the initial collection and sorting from the later processing and manufacturing stages. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'diagrammatically explained', 'multi-staged process', 'recyclable potential', and 'usage potential'. There is some awareness of collocation, though some phrasing is slightly repetitive (e.g., 'formation of' used twice in the final paragraph). To improve, try to vary your verbs and nouns further to avoid repetition and demonstrate more sophisticated control over technical terminology related to industrial processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. There are minor issues with word choice, such as 'create sustainable environment' (missing an article: 'a sustainable environment') and 'compressed in the form of blocks' (which is slightly unnatural; 'compressed into blocks' would be better). However, these errors do not impede communication. The control of grammar is consistent, and the variety of structures is sufficient for a good score.

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

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