Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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.

At 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. The compressor then shapes the bottles into blocks by compressing. Compressed plastic moves through a crusher to convert it 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, the pellets are heated to shape raw material for products. In the end, raw materials are converted into useful products like bottles, shirts, and other items.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the recycling process, from the initial collection to the final production of new items. You have identified the main features and provided a clear overview of the nine-stage process. The information is accurate and logically presented. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly highlight the most significant comparisons or stages, such as the transition from raw material to finished goods. The summary is well-structured and addresses the prompt effectively, providing a clear, step-by-step account of the diagram without unnecessary repetition.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. You have used a range of cohesive devices such as 'At the beginning of the process', 'Next', 'In addition', and 'In the end' to guide the reader through the stages. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the recycling cycle. The referencing is clear, and the overall structure supports the flow of information effectively throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'recycling plant', 'compressor', 'crusher', and 'raw material'. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it is somewhat repetitive in its phrasing (e.g., 'waste bottles', 'tiny pieces of plastic'). To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms or more precise technical collocations to demonstrate a wider range. The current vocabulary is adequate for the task and does not impede communication, but it lacks the sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. There are occasional minor issues, such as the phrasing 'moves the bottles into the recycling plant' which could be more naturally expressed as 'transports the bottles to the recycling plant'. You have used passive voice appropriately for a process description (e.g., 'are then washed and transferred'). The grammatical control is consistent and supports clear communication throughout the text.

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

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