Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-02

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 process diagram illustrates how plastic bottles are recycled.

Overall, the nine-stage process is cyclic, begins with the segregation of plastic bottles by person into large container and ends with the production of different goods containing plastic.

The process starts with the placement of plastic bottles into a big container, which is then collected by bin lorries. Afterwards, it has been transported to a processing plant where the bottles are sorted by hands and been added into corresponding space. At step 4, the bottles are compressed into blocks before undergoing mechanical treatment.

Furthermore, the blocks are crushed well and the resulting fragments are washed in a liquid before being treated by machine. The substances are added into a machine to produce plastic pellets which are then flamed to produce raw materials. This can be used to manufacture different goods containing pencils, shirt, and many more, and the process commences again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the recycling process and provides a clear overview. You have covered all stages from collection to the production of new goods. However, the description of some stages is slightly underdeveloped. For example, the transition between 'mechanical treatment' and 'crushed well' could be more precise, as the diagram implies a specific sequence of shredding and washing. To reach a higher band, ensure that you describe the transformation of the material more explicitly rather than just listing the steps. The summary is accurate and effectively highlights the cyclic nature of the process, which is a key feature of the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Afterwards', 'At step 4', and 'Furthermore' helps to guide the reader through the stages. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For instance, the phrase 'the substances are added into a machine' is a bit vague regarding which substances are being referred to. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate, and there is a clear progression of ideas throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'segregation', 'compressed', 'mechanical treatment', and 'raw materials'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'by person' instead of 'by individuals' or 'by the public', and 'flamed' is not the most precise term for the heating process involved in plastic recycling. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more precise technical collocations would enhance the quality of your writing. The range is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly without significant effort from the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'has been transported' (incorrect tense usage for a process description), 'sorted by hands' (should be 'by hand'), and 'containing pencils, shirt' (pluralization error). While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede the overall understanding of the process. To improve, focus on maintaining consistent verb tenses—specifically the present simple passive for process descriptions—and ensure subject-verb agreement and pluralization are handled correctly. The use of complex structures is attempted, but accuracy remains inconsistent.

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