Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-03

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 step-by-step process for recycling plastic bottles.

Overall, the whole process consists of nine stages. The process begins with the dumping of bottles in a bin to move to the recycling center and ends with the transformation of waste plastic bottles into useful products of daily life.

In the beginning of the process, people dump the waste bottles into the bin, and then the waste management vehicle takes the bottles and moves the bottles into the recycling plant. Next, in the recycling plant, workers sort the bottles according to condition and quality. Compresser then shapes the bottles into blocks by compressing. Compressed bottles move through a crusher to convert them into tiny pieces.

In addition, tiny pieces of plastic are then washed and transferred to a machine, which converts the tiny pieces of plastic into pellets. Moreover, heating the pellets to form raw material for products. In the end, raw materials converts into use products like bottles, shirts, etc.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the recycling process, from the initial collection to the final product. The overview is clear, identifying the nine-stage nature of the process. However, the description of the stages is somewhat mechanical and lacks a more sophisticated synthesis of the information. For instance, the transition between the crushing and washing stages is described simply, and the final stage could be more clearly linked to the preceding steps. To reach a higher band, ensure that the main features are not just listed but are connected to show a deeper understanding of the process flow.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In the beginning', 'Next', 'In addition', and 'Moreover' helps guide the reader through the process. However, some of the transitions feel slightly repetitive or mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, separating the initial collection from the technical processing stages. To improve, try to vary the cohesive devices to create a smoother flow between sentences and avoid relying on simple sequence markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'recycling plant', 'compressing', and 'raw material' used correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases such as 'useful products of daily life' and 'tiny pieces' are a bit simplistic. There are also minor issues with word choice, such as 'use products' instead of 'useful products' or 'finished products'. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'shredded', 'granulated', or 'reprocessed'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is clear, there are several grammatical errors. For example, 'Compresser then shapes' lacks an article, and 'raw materials converts into use products' contains a subject-verb agreement error ('materials convert'). Additionally, the sentence 'Moreover, heating the pellets to form raw material for products' is a fragment as it lacks a main verb. Improving control over subject-verb agreement and ensuring all sentences are complete will significantly enhance the quality of the writing.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.